'It's a joke': China hits back at Australia's claim its coronavirus investigation stance has been vindicated

Australia says the establishment of a global coronavirus inquiry has vindicated its stance on the issue, prompting a sharp response from China.

Expert say the economic ties between Australia and China are paramount.

Mr Zhang says that Australia and China are close economic partners. Source: AAP

China has lashed out at claims Australia's push for an international probe into the coronavirus has been vindicated, labelling it a "joke".

China agreed to support an investigation after more than 110 countries co-sponsored a motion at the World Health Assembly on Monday night.

The WHA resolution calls for an impartial, independent and comprehensive evaluation of the international response to the pandemic.
Australia's push for the inquiry into the origin of the virus sparked fury from Beijing with diplomatic ties between the two nations under intense pressure.

Senior government figures claim the inquiry vindicates the government's stance, prompting a scathing response from China's embassy in Australia.

"The draft resolution on COVID-19 to be adopted by the World Health Assembly is totally different from Australia's proposal of an independent international review," a spokesman told AAP on Tuesday.

"To claim the WHA's resolution a vindication of Australia's call is nothing but a joke."
Senior cabinet minister David Littleproud denied the investigation was about confronting China.

"This wasn't about persecution, this was about understanding a pandemic that 300,000 souls lost their lives to," he told reporters in Toowoomba on Tuesday.

"We should be damn proud Australia is now leading the world."

Health Minister Greg Hunt argued Australia's case for the inquiry at the assembly.

He said the probe should look at health risks from wildlife wet markets, where the virus is likely to have originated in China.

"We need to learn the lessons from this pandemic and ensure we have the strongest possible global health architecture, with an enhanced ability to prevent and respond to future outbreaks," he said.
The World Health Organisation promised the review would happen at the earliest appropriate time.

US President Donald Trump supported the probe by tweeting an SBS News/AAP Newswire story on the motion.
Chinese President Xi Jinping also backed a WHO-led review, saying his country acted with openness, transparency and responsibility all along.

"This work needs a scientific and professional attitude and needs to be led by the WHO. And the principles of objectivity and fairness need to be upheld," Xi told the meeting.

Xi also said China would stump up $3.1 billion over the next two years to help deal with the disease.
Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Chinese President Xi Jinping Source: AAP
Australia's relations with China have come under further strain after .

COVID-19 has killed 99 people across Australia, with 6389 recovered from more than 7000 cases.

Two nursing homes in Melbourne are in lockdown after residents initially tested positive before returning negative results.

A Queensland nursing home appears to have dodged a bullet after a nurse with coronavirus continued to show up for work while infected.

No residents or staff at the Rockhampton aged care facility have tested positive despite authorities bracing for thousands of infections.

People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your state’s restrictions on gathering limits.

Testing for coronavirus is now widely available across Australia. If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.

The federal government's coronavirus tracing app COVIDSafe is available for download from your phone's app store.

SBS is committed to informing Australia’s diverse communities about the latest COVID-19 developments. News and information is available in 63 languages at .

 

China has lashed out at claims Australia's push for an international probe into the coronavirus has been vindicated, labelling it a "joke".


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4 min read
Published 19 May 2020 12:00pm
Updated 19 May 2020 12:16pm



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