My Take | Washington, do you want the face masks or not?
- While asking Beijing for medical supplies, top US officials continue to grandstand with groundless provocation
As the coronavirus pandemic spreads across the United States, President Donald Trump has suddenly dropped his belligerent language against China.
He has stopped mentioning the “Chinese virus” and even lauded cooperation. “I just wanted to make that point, because they’re blaming China, people are blaming China,” he said.
Now we know why. Americans are running out of face masks but China has ample supply. According to The New York Times, “the lack of proper masks, gowns and eye gear is imperilling the ability of frontline medical workers to fight the disease”, and to protect themselves.
But in its months-long fight, China has become the world’s largest producer of protective gear. And to bolster its international image and to counter harsh criticism, Beijing has been sending, or is about to send, medical gear to Italy, South Korea, the Philippines, Japan, Iraq, Iran, Peru and Spain.
But while their boss may not be too proud to ask, some senior US officials are sticking to their guns.