Asia Today: China warns Australia probe may set off backlash

China’s ambassor reportedly is warning Australian government its pursuit of a coronavirus inquiry could set off a boycott by Chinese consumers, who may no longer travel and study in Australia or buy major exports including beef and wine.

Ambassor Cheng Jingye told Australian Financial Review in an interview published on Monday that Australia’s push for an inquiry was “dangerous” and predicted it would fail to gain traction.

“Resorting to suspicion, recrimination or division at such a critical time could only undermine global efforts to fight against this pandemic,” Cheng said.

Australian Health Minister Greg Hunt said an independent inquiry was in interests of Australia and world.

“We’ve seen 3 million people infected and over 200,000 lives lost so of course re has to be an independent review,” Hunt told Australian Brocasting Corp.

“To have a major global, cataclysmic event and not to review it would seem very odd and very strange and so ultimately we have to take steps that are in not just interests of Australia, but in interests of common humanity,” Hunt ded.

Australian government has called for an inquiry into respiratory virus and for changes to World Health Organization due to its alleged shortcomings in handling pandemic.

Education is Australia’s third-largest export industry and China is largest source of students studying in Australia. China is also Australia’s largest tring partner.

Chinese Embassy did not immediately respond to a request for comment on newspaper article.

In or developments in Asia-Pacific region:

— NEW ZEALAND: New Zealand reported five new coronavirus cases as nation gets rey to ease its strict lockdown from midnight. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said re hasn’t been widespre community transmission of virus and country has so far managed to avoid worst scenarios for an outbreak. She said it would continue to hunt down last few cases. From midnight, certain businesses like construction can reopen but with social distancing. Ardern said nation was opening up economy but not people’s social lives.

— HUBEI HAS NO VIRUS PATIENTS: China reported just three new virus cases and, for 12th day in a row, no new deaths. Hospitals are treating 723 people and just under 1,000 people are being isolated and monitored as suspected cases or not showing symptoms. capital Beijing ded one postmortem death to its count, raising China’s overall death toll to 4,633 among 82,830 cases. health commission in Hubei province said it has no virus patients in hospitals after last 12 patients were released. Hubei accounts for bulk of China’s cases and deaths, and its healthcare system was overwhelmed by thousands of patients when its outbreak peaked in January and February.

— SOUTH KOREA MAY REOPEN SCHOOLS: South Korea reported 10 fresh cases of coronavirus as officials mull reopening schools. figures released by Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention brought national totals to 10,738 cases and 243 deaths. Using an active test-and-quarantine program, South Korea has managed to slow its outbreak without lockdowns or business bans. But schools remain shut while providing children remote learning. Prime Minster Chung Sye-kyun instructed education officials to prepare hygiene and social distancing measures so government could announce a timeline for reopening schools no later than early May.