Published 14:37 IST, May 17th 2020
China to face questions on world stage over initial handling of COVID-19, at WHO meeting
China is set to be challenged on two main issues involving COVID-19 by the world at the first World Health Organization (WHO)'s governing body.
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China is set to be challenged on two main issues involving COVID-19 by world at first World Health Organization's (WHO)'s governing body since start of global outbreak. two main issues include China's initial handling of virus and inclusion of Taiwan in WHO.
While United States has been accusing China of developing virus in laboratory, European Union and Australia are all set to push a probe into virus's origin. Australia on Friday has said that it will continue to push for an inquiry into origins of coronavirus, even if it hurts tre relations with China. Meanwhile, China has suspended beef imports from four abattoirs and plans to impose tariffs on Australian barley, after warning inquiry could harm two-way tre ties. Crucially, WHO is accused of being China-centric amid criticism.
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US blames China
Trump ministration has been blaming China for spre of vel coronavirus and for hiding its outbreak from world. In its latest attack, US President Donald Trump threatened to put a complete end to ties with China over latter's alleged reluctance in sharing full information regarding COVID-19. Recently, a top US Senator has released a detailed 18-point plan to hold China accountable for COVID-19 outbreak, which includes enhancing military ties with India. rth Carolina Senator Thom Tillis said that United States should seek reparation from Chinese government and impose sanctions for “lying about virus”.
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Blaming World Health Organisation (WHO) for being 'China-centric', Trump ministration has also halted its funding to UN body. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo h earlier claimed that his country has eugh evidence to prove COVID-19 contagion emerged from a 'laboratory in Wuhan' and that it is 't natural'.
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Taiwan's status in WHO
Amid Coronavirus outbreak, a fresh diplomatic row has erupted between China and western powers about inclusion of Taiwan in World Health Organization (WHO). According to Taiwan, due to COVID-19 pandemic, it is urgent for m to be allowed a proper access to UN body. Furr, several countries are w calling Taiwan to be eir allowed into WHO or to be granted observer status. Meanwhile, Taiwan has won a positive response in handling of COVID-19 pandemic as it has mand to keep infections as low as 433 with only 7 deaths.
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14:37 IST, May 17th 2020