Omicron variant: in slap at China, US praises South Africa’s detection of new Covid strain
- Secretary of State Antony Blinken says South Africa’s transparency in sharing information about Omicron variant should serve as model for the world
- US has repeatedly criticised China as not being forthcoming on the origins of the coronavirus
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke to South African International Relations and Cooperation Minister Naledi Pandor and they discussed cooperation on vaccinating people in Africa against Covid-19, the State Department said.
“Secretary Blinken specifically praised South Africa’s scientists for the quick identification of the Omicron variant and South Africa’s government for its transparency in sharing this information, which should serve as a model for the world,” the statement said.
Blinken says global pressure may force China to be transparent on Covid-19
Washington has also accused Beijing of waiting too long before sharing crucial information about the outbreak, saying that a more transparent handling could have helped halt the spread of the virus.
After the US report was issued this summer, Biden accused Beijing of stonewalling.
“The world deserves answers, and I will not rest until we get them,” Biden said in a statement after that unclassified report came out.
“Responsible nations do not shirk these kinds of responsibilities to the rest of the world.”