Editorial | Crisis is no time to play blame game
- With the deadly coronavirus sweeping the globe, China and the United States should be cooperating on finding a cure, not sniping and bickering
The Covid-19 disease, caused by the coronavirus, should have been reason for China and the United States to set aside rivalry and focus on a common goal for global good. Cooperating on containing the infection, finding a cure and developing a vaccine are priorities.
But some officials have instead resorted to even more sniping and accusations, the finger-pointing diverting attention from the fight.
A virus does not have a nationality, race or political view; both countries owe it to their people and the world to halt the bickering and put energies into the urgent task of ending the pandemic.
There has long been an element of mistrust in relations, but the sides have been increasingly at odds since Donald Trump took the US presidency. Among the issues causing rifts have been the trade war, efforts to thwart China’s technology rise centred on Huawei, Taiwan, the South China Sea, Xinjiang and the Hong Kong protests.
That has led to disengagement at academic, cultural, diplomatic and military levels. Even as Covid-19 has taken hold, Washington has raised the pressure on Beijing and the rhetoric, warship sailings and reports criticising Chinese human rights have continued.