All the accusations concerning COVID-19 against Beijing are aimed at removing responsibility for the problems in their own healthcare system of some Western countries, said Leonid Slutsky, Chairman of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs, Sputnik reported Sunday.
Five Eyes, an intelligence alliance comprised of intelligence agencies from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, claimed in a report that China concealed or destroyed evidence of the virus outbreak, reported Australia's Daily Telegraph.
Slutsky slammed the accusation, saying it's "part of the politicized anti-Chinese campaign in the West."
The politician said China has openly cooperated and continues to cooperate with the international community, providing not only information, but also real medical care.
"All statements about the laboratory origin of the virus is nothing more than speculation. All charges (against) Beijing aimed at removing the responsibility for the problems in the healthcare system of Western countries, in particular in the United States. The search for an external enemy for distraction – a very cynical and, unfortunately, the traditional reception for Washington and its satellites," stated Slutsky.
He said that to defeat the pandemic is only possible when countries come together "without mutual accusations and unnecessary discharge voltage."
China has stressed on many occasions that it opposes any unfounded charges against China over COVID-19.
Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Le Yucheng said last week China has been open, transparent, with good faith, and truthful when it comes to the release of data, adding that what China has done can withstand scrutiny.
"There is no need for cover-ups. This is all about real people. It is literally impossible to hide anything. On the contrary, some countries once said that COVID-19 was just a common flu, and in fact, that is cover-up."
"China was among the countries hit by the first wave of COVID-19. China has suffered enormous losses and made big sacrifices in curbing the virus. We have gathered important experience, gained precious time and made a big contribution for the world's battle against the virus. What China deserves is fair recognition, not groundless accusation," he added.
