Washington: A top US senator has unveiled an 18-point plan, including enhancing military ties with India, to hold the Chinese government accountable for its “lies, deception, and cover-ups” that led to the global COVID-19 pandemic.
The prominent suggestions are moving the manufacturing chain from China and deepening of the military-strategic ties with India, Vietnam and Taiwan.
“The Chinese government maliciously covered up and enabled a global pandemic that has caused misery for so many Americans. This is the same regime that locks up its own citizens in labour camps, steals America’s technology and jobs, and threatens the sovereignty of our allies,” said Senator Thom Tillis while presenting his detailed 18-point plan on Thursday.
“This is a major wake-up call to the United States and the rest of the free world. My plan of action will hold the Chinese government accountable for lying about COVID-19; sanctioning the Chinese government while protecting America’s economy, public health, and national security,” he said.
The plan seeks to create a Pacific Deterrence Initiative and immediately approve the military’s request for USD 20 billion in funding. It also calls for deepening military ties with regional allies and expanding equipment sales to India, Taiwan and Vietnam.
Encourage Japan to rebuild its military and offer Japan and South Korea sales of offensive military equipment, it suggests.
“Move manufacturing back to the US from China and gradually eliminate our supply chain dependency on China. Stop China from stealing our technology and provide incentives to American companies to regain our technological advantage. Strengthen cybersecurity against Chinese hacks and sabotage,” the senator said.
“Prevent American taxpayer money from being used by the Chinese government to pay off their debt. Implement the US ban on (Chinese technology company) Huawei and coordinate with our allies to implement similar bans,” he added.
The plan seeks restitution from the Chinese government and imposition of sanctions for lying about the coronavirus.
China denies accusations
China has denied America’s accusation of covering up the extent of its coronavirus outbreak and accused the US of attempting to divert the public attention by insinuating that the virus originated from a virology laboratory in Wuhan.
“China was the first country to report the COVID-19 to the World Health Organisation (WHO), (and) that doesn’t mean the virus originated from Wuhan… There has never been any concealment, and we’ll never allow any concealment,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said last month.
“A discerning person will understand at a glance that the purpose is to create confusion, divert public attention, and shirk their responsibility,” he said.
Urging the government to investigate the Chinese government’s cover-up of the spread of COVID-19, the plan also seeks to investigate America’s reliance on China’s supply chains and threats to public safety and national security.
“Ensure the independence of the WHO through investigations and reform. Expose and counter China’s predatory debt-trap diplomacy targeting developing countries. Increase intelligence sharing on potential pandemics and lead the creation of a watchdog organisation to monitor foreign governments’ handling of deadly viruses,” Tillis said in his suggestions. More than a quarter of all confirmed COVID-19 cases are from the US. (PTI)