China accuses US of trying to deflect coronavirus blame after call for Taiwan to be given World Health Organisation role
- Beijing says call to give island observer status at World Health Assembly is attempt to shift attention away from its ‘inadequate response’ to Covid-19
- State Department started Twitter campaign using hashtag #TweetforTaiwan to give it a role in proceedings
Beijing accused the United States on Saturday of trying to shift the blame for the coronavirus pandemic, after the US State Department launched a Twitter campaign calling for Taiwan’s inclusion at the World Health Assembly.
The Chinese mission to the United Nations tweeted early on Saturday that the US was engaging in “another political trick” by advocating for Taiwan to take part in the assembly, the decision-making body for the UN’s World Health Organisation.
This year the WHA’s annual meeting will take start in Geneva from May 17.
“Strongly oppose using this question to interfere in China’s internal affairs,” the Chinese mission said. “Trying to shift the blame for inadequate response to #COVID19 in US? No way.”
A spokesperson for the mission on Friday expressed “strong indignation and firm opposition” at America’s “open support” for Taiwan’s participation.