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China Rejects Blame for Coronavirus Pandemic

VOA News

   WASHINGTON - Chinahaslashedoutat Australia and the United States
   forwhat itcallspolitical manipulationoftheCOVID-19 pandemic.

   Australia has been at the forefront ofcallsfor an independent
   investigation into theorigin of the coronavirus pandemic and the
   response to it,and U.S. President Donald Trump has blamed China for the
   global pandemic.

   Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne praised the World Health
   Resolutionpassed Tuesdaythatdemands an independent"comprehensive
   evaluation" of the organization's global response to the coronavirus
   pandemic. The resolution was submitted to theWorld Health Assemblyby
   the European Unionand other WHO members. Paynedescribedit as"a win for
   the international community."

   ChineseForeign Ministry Spokesperson ZhaoLijiansaid Tuesday that China
   would welcomethe investigationif Australia would return to the broad
   consensus of the international community.He saidBeijing has always
   supported a comprehensive review of the pandemicas long asit is led by
   the WHOandconducted in professional and impartial manner.

   ButU.S. President Donald Trumpsaysthe WHO isnotimpartial. Hehas accused
   theinternationalagencyof covering up for China,whom heblamesfor the
   global health crisis.On Tuesday,Trumpthreatened to permanently cut off
   U.S. fundingfor theWHO, which he had alreadyput on hold.

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