The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump sees the attacks on China as a “saving straw” as the number of those who fall ill and die from coronavirus in the country grows, the Global Times writes. However, the Chinese edition warns that “naive and absurd” attempts of the White House threaten only to provoke a response, as well as neglect of the country.
More than a month has passed since the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has set itself the goal of “smoothing the curve” of coronavirus infection in the country, but the situation has only worsened, writes the Global Times.
Nevertheless, instead of focusing on fighting the pandemic, the White House is looking for new ways to smear China. By doing so, the government is trying to deceive the Americans and remove responsibility for the approaching one million infected U.S. citizens and more than 54 thousand deaths from COVID-19.
One of the latest findings of the Trump administration was a desire to strip China of its sovereign immunity, according to which a sovereign state is not subject to the authorities of other states. This will make it possible to seek accountability for the pandemic in Beijing’s courts.
As the Global Times notes, the republican government will not abandon its attacks on China because it sees it as a “saving straw,” especially in the run-up to the presidential election. However, by threatening to strip the country of its immunity, the United States is “going too far”.
“Based on the principle of sovereign equality of states prescribed by international law, U.S. courts have no jurisdiction over sovereign actions taken by Chinese governments at all levels in response to the epidemic”, – said Foreign Ministry spokesman Gen Shuang.
However, the Chinese publication believes that some representatives of the Republican Party are ready to act in violation of international law by taking advantage of US hegemony. However, their “naive and absurd” attempts to challenge international norms can only harm the country. Not only will the U.S. be unable to stop a series of lawsuits against China, but it will also continue to ignore urgent problems for the country. Moreover, Washington will not be able to avoid provoking Beijing’s response, as well as the international community’s contemptuous attitude towards itself.
Original publication: Global Times