Iran Press/Asia: Xi and his US counterpart Donald Trump spoke by phone on Friday in an attempt to ease tensions following weeks of finger-pointing over the pandemic.
Xi told Trump China had been transparent and responsible in its release of information, including the gene sequence of the coronavirus, since the start of the outbreak, and had provided assistance to other nations, state broadcaster CCTV reported.
In a veiled swipe at US officials, including Trump, for repeated references to Covid-19 as “the Chinese virus” or “Wuhan virus”, Xi said: “the virus knows no boundaries and ethnicity, and it is our common enemy. The international community can only defeat it through working together”.
“The relationship between China and the US is at a critical juncture. Cooperation is mutually beneficial to both nations, while fighting will hurt. Cooperation is the only correct choice.
“It is hoped that the United States will take concrete actions to improve China-US relations, and the two sides will work together to strengthen cooperation in areas such as epidemic control,” he said.
Xi said he was concerned about the outbreak in the US and health officials from two sides were in constant communication.
“China is willing to continue to share information and experience with the United States without reservation,” he said.
In a tweet, Trump said he had just finished a very good conversation with Xi. “Discussed in great detail the coronavirus that is ravaging large parts of our planet. China has been through much and has developed a strong understanding of the virus. We are working closely together. Much respect!” he wrote.
We are working closely together: Trump
Just finished a very good conversation with President Xi of China. Discussed in great detail the CoronaVirus that is ravaging large parts of our Planet. China has been through much & has developed a strong understanding of the Virus. We are working closely together. Much respect!
Chinese and American officials have been trading accusations over the handling of the crisis in recent weeks.
205
Read More:
Covid-19 shock: 80,000 people to die in the US
US surpasses China in number of COVID-19 cases
