Coronavirus: Chinese embassy accuses US of ‘importing’ risk to Sri Lanka ahead of Mike Pompeo visit
- Secretary of State is visiting at a time when Covid-19 cases are surging, prompting fiery statement from Chinese diplomats
- US is accused of sending a ‘huge’ delegation to prepare for the visit and even demanding that new roads be built
China’s envoy in Colombo has accused the US of “importing risk” to a nation battling the coronavirus ahead of a visit by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
“In recent days, Sri Lanka is facing the most severe challenge since the outbreak, and the local health system can no longer bear any imported risks,” the embassy said in a fiery statement published on Monday.
“[The US is] sending a huge delegation and advance team to Sri Lanka, and making requests for visits and even the construction of temporary roads. The local health system can no longer bear any imported risks,” the statement said.
The island saw a spike in coronavirus infections of several hundred per day in October, after months of reports in the single digits. So far the island nation of around 22 million people has seen just over 7,000 total cases and 14 deaths.
Sri Lankan news outlets said 16 US military personnel arrived on Friday to make arrangements for the trip, though the Chinese embassy’s claim that the US had asked for new roads to be built for Pompeo’s visit could not be confirmed.