Xi Jinping Targets US: "Do Not Politicize the COVID Issue"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] Chinese President Xi Jinping attended the Russia Eastern Economic Forum and emphasized strategic solidarity, opposing the politicization of the origin of the COVID-19 virus.

At the forum's opening ceremony held via video conference on the 3rd, President Xi stated, "We must strengthen cooperation in vaccine development and production to meet the challenges of COVID-19 and provide more public goods to the international community," adding, "We firmly oppose the politicization of vaccines and the origin of the virus and must work towards building a global health community for humanity."

He continued, "COVID-19 has not stabilized, and the global economy is recovering with difficulty," emphasizing, "Northeast Asian regional cooperation faces severe challenges but also important opportunities. All countries must seek development together."

This remark is interpreted as being conscious of Western countries, led by the United States, raising the 'China responsibility theory' regarding the origin of the COVID-19 virus.

China has refused the World Health Organization (WHO)'s request for a second investigation and is countering by demanding an investigation into U.S. military laboratories.

President Xi and Russian President Vladimir Putin also voiced a united stance against politicizing the origin of the COVID-19 virus during their video summit in June.

Meanwhile, President Xi mentioned that the day marks China's Victory Day of World War II, stating, "In last month's call with President Putin, we agreed that the international community must firmly uphold the achievements of the victory in World War II."

Regarding the extension of the China-Russia Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation in June, he said, "We have reached new common understandings on major issues such as strengthening strategic cooperation and comprehensive practical cooperation between China and Russia," expressing optimism about the bilateral relationship by saying, "The momentum is sufficient, and the prospects are broad."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.