China, the safest place: Beijing

Newswire

Beijing: China has expressed serious concerns and dissatisfaction to the US over reports that the US is considering to authorize departures of American diplomats in Beijing over China’s COVID-19 rules.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said this week that China was undoubtedly the safest country in the world right now and withdrawing from the safest place will only greatly increase the risk of infections for US personnel.

The US’ logic is hard to understand, Zhao Lijian said at a media briefing. He said China hopes that the US will abide by and cooperate with China’s epidemic prevention regulations, take China’s position and concerns seriously.

Zhao Lijian’s remarks came after a report of the Global Times said the US Department of State was mulling to approve the US Embassy and consulates to authorize the departure of their US employees in China, citing reasons for “China’s epidemic situation.”

Reports said that the American diplomats and their families wish to leave due to the US government’s “inability” to prevent Chinese authorities from subjecting them to “intrusive” pandemic control measures.

However, Zhao Lijian said China’s COVID-19 prevention and control measures are rigorous, scientific and effective, which have well protected foreign nationals in China.

He said China’s epidemic prevention and control measures comply with the relevant regulations including the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, giving full consideration to comfort and legitimate rights of diplomatic and consular personnel, Zhao Lijian said.