The tenor of US-China relations is reflected in the recent writings of some prominent Chinese. Zhou Xiaoming, former Deputy Head of China’s mission in Geneva, wrote that the West’s efforts to blame China for the global outbreak is “a carefully coordinated PR campaign” initiated by American government to contain China. It is a new battle ground carved out by the US in its war to contain China’s rise. We must not underestimate it.” The Party mouthpiece Peoples Daily wrote “Facing the epidemic, cooperation is the only correct choice for China and the US. This mentality is unhealthy, unethical and lunatic,” adding that China has been transparent all along and has been aiding others including the Americans. It said that China has been restrained toward US smearing, but “on the major issues related to our principles we dare to draw the sword, and we will never concede.” Hu Xijin, Editor-in-Chief of Global Times wrote on his public Weibo account: “Honestly, the America today won’t back off before crippling China. Many people keep saying the situation today is a result of China’s actions. They argue that China should show some goodwill to the US, and make major concessions, so to win back the Americans’ trust so the relations can get back to normal. But I have to say … they are too naïve … the biggest drive behind the US shift in attitude toward China is the change of power balance between the two countries. The US won’t accept the possibility that China may become an equal power. That’s the most fundamental.”
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