China appreciates Russia's objective, fair stance concerning WHO

BEIJING, April 13 (Xinhua) -- China on Monday said it appreciates Russia's objective and fair stance concerning the World Health Organization (WHO), and is willing to work with the international community, including Russia, to support the WHO's leading role in global anti-pandemic cooperation.

According to media reports, the Russian Foreign Ministry on Sunday said Russia sees U.S. accusations against the WHO as an attempt of Washington to shift responsibility for the epidemiological situation in the country, adding that such attempts were causing concerns.

When commenting on the reports, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said at a press briefing that China had said many times that in the face of the serious threat posed by the coronavirus, the international community can only win the battle by establishing the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind and responding together with unity.

"Countries should transcend ideological differences, refrain from peddling unfounded accusations and suspicions, and, in particular, avoid politicizing anti-pandemic cooperation, shifting blame, and projecting responsibilities and contradictions onto other countries," he said.

Zhao said that since the outbreak of COVID-19, the WHO had maintained an objective, scientific and fair position and actively performed its duties. The organization has played an important role in assisting countries to respond to the pandemic and promote international cooperation in the anti-virus fight.

He noted that recently, the UN Secretary General, many countries' leaders and heads of international organizations have expressed support for the WHO. A few days ago, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution by consensus, affirming the role of the WHO.

"At present, the pandemic is spreading globally. The international community should be united and coordinate with each other to overcome our common enemy COVID-19," said Zhao.