“If you look at the whole competition with China framework, pandemics would be an instance where you would hope we can cooperate. The Trump administration offered a tempered response Monday. AD“The United States appreciates China’s efforts and continued coordination with public health officials across globe,” said the official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to address the sensitive geopolitical situation. Hua reacted angrily last week when U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross stated that the coronavirus could help bring jobs to the United States as companies moved operations away from China. Given the sensitivities, he added, the Trump administration appears to be taking steps to “make sure there is absolutely no politicization of this process” that could lend credence to Beijing’s criticism.

Source: Washington Post February 04, 2020 01:01 UTC