Calls by the Australian government for an inquiry into the origins of the Covid-19 pandemic have attracted a fierce response from the People’s Republic of China.
Australia has been seeking an independent investigation into the pandemic, which is widely believed to owe much to the Chinese government’s obsession with secrecy and control.
The Chinese government, by contrast, has shown reluctance to be held to account for this, attempting to offer an alternative narrative based on the assistance it has offered other countries in dealing with the pandemic. Some among China’s diplomatic representatives have taken to social media to deflect attention from China’s alleged culpability, through accusations of racism and by pushing highly questionable conspiracy theories that the pandemic was orchestrated by the United States.
The Chinese government has threatened retaliation against the drive for an inquiry. Chinese ambassador to Australia, Cheng Jingye, said: ‘Resorting to suspicion, recrimination or division at such a critical time could only undermine global efforts to fight against this pandemic.’
He added that this could spark a retaliatory boycott against Australian products in China.
Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne rejected ‘any suggestion that economic coercion is an appropriate response to a call for such an assessment, when what is needed is global co-operation’.
Trade Minister Simon Birmingham remarked: ‘Australia’s position is very clear that we believe it is entirely reasonable … for there to be a genuine inquiry and investigation into the cause of the loss of life of hundreds of thousands of people around the world.’
Relations between China and Australia have been strained for several years over such issues as human rights, repression in Hong Kong, and evident meddling by China in Australia’s political processes. Mainstream voices in Australia are voicing concerns about the risks in this relationship and whether it is endangering the country’s security.
In recent days, an Australian warship, the HMAS Parramatta joined a number of those from the United States in disputed waters in the South China Sea. A Chinese vessel is believed to be prospecting for oil.