Coronavirus: China thanks Japan for ‘heart-warming’ support after lashing out at US
- Foreign ministry spokeswoman says she was ‘deeply touched’ by the country’s sympathy, understanding and donations
- It was a stark contrast to Beijing’s response to Washington closing its borders to travellers from the mainland
The outbreak, which has struck more than 20,000 people and killed 425 in mainland China, has become the latest source of friction between China and the United States.
But after accusing the US of doing nothing to help contain it, China on Tuesday told Japan – a nation with which it has bitter historical disputes – and “people from any country who have shown support” that it appreciated their efforts to help curb the spread of the virus.
Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said that since the outbreak began last month, “the Japanese government and its people from all walks of life have expressed sympathy, understanding and support to us”, adding that she was “deeply touched”.
She cited donations of masks, goggles and protective gear – which are in short supply in China – and lighting up the Tokyo Skytree broadcasting and observation tower in red and blue to pray for the country.
