BEIJING: A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson refuted Australia’s accusation of so-called “economic coercion”, adding that politicians should not make political maneuvers over the origin of the novel coronavirus.
Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne made such an accusation after Chinese ambassador to Australia Cheng Jingye said Monday that the idea of an independent inquiry into the origins of the virus called for by Australia is ill-received among the Chinese public.
Cheng said what Australia is doing may make the Chinese public think twice about traveling or studying in Australia, or purchasing Australian goods. – Agencies
