China update: Threats made to Australia

Recent highlights on China and COVID-19:

• China has thrashed the proposals for an international probe into the origin and spread of Coronavirus.
• Chinese foreign ministry believes accountability is not important, the prevention of further damage is.
• The Chinese government has also treated economic backlash on Australia as it pushes for a review of the Wuhan situation.
• Furthermore, the last COVID-19 patient from Wuhan hospital has been discharged.

It has been a while since the WHO meeting for reviewing the COVID-19 situation in China. Long story short, Australia called for a review meeting on the origin and spread of the COVID-19. Australia has been pushing all the world leaders and the members of the WHO for opening up an investigation into the coronavirus origin and spread. This is a proposal that has been vehemently opposed by the Chinese Government.

China, in lieu of the proposal, has also made threats of economic damage to Australia. The Chinese ambassador to Australia has said that people from china “could very easily avoid” products and universities of Australia. The ambassador, Cheng Jingye, said in a published interview that Chinese commoners will question the need for consuming Australian beef and wine, reconsider visiting Australia, and getting admission into Australian universities. For those of you who aren’t aware, tourism and exports are very important factors in Australia’s economy. 

COVID-19 cases in China.
Source: Google

It is surprising that China would make such a threat in times when global cooperation is what we need. Regardless, Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne warned China not to make such threats of economic coercion. He stands firm that Australia’s proposal for a probe was a moral call and based on principles. He has greatly emphasized that the response from China was undesirable and tactless.

Covid-19 cases worldwide, China.
Source: Google

Along with Australia, the US, UK, and Germany have also been pushing for an international probe. China has been constantly dodging the probe saying it will not be conclusively, just like those conducted in the past. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang insist on it being left to scientists and professionals. Geng said that the aim should be to find out how it occurs and prevent further damage. Accountability is not important right now, according to him. He believes that politicizing the issue of origin will only hamper international trust and cooperation.

Additionally, the last COVID-19 patient of Wuhan has finally been discharged. There has been no new case in the epicenter of the global pandemic. It had been a three-month-long war against coronavirus. The virus infected more than 80,000 people in China while death tolls stand at 4,642. The numbers in Wuhan have been on the decline since February 18.