At a time when the entire world needs compassion, togetherness and unity, the behaviour of two countries have shocked us all. The two countries are United States of America (USA) and People’s Republic of China. Instead of joining hands with the rest of the world to fight Covid-19, both USA and China are still busy arm-twisting other nations simply to establish their hegemony over them. Clearly, such an approach at this hour of crisis is unwarranted. But by doing so, the two nations are indulging in anti-human activities which can easily be equated to some practices involved in terrorism.
Consider these statements from China. On March 22, a tweet from the spokesman of Communist Party of China declared that “If ‘Made in China’ is contagious, then don’t use made in China face masks, don’t use made in China PPE, don’t use made in China ventilators. Only by doing so can you avoid the virus.” Furthermore, Chinese state news agency Xinhua threatened USA by stating that if China banned the export of drugs, ‘the United States would sink into the hell of a novel corona virus epidemic’. These statements were in retaliation to unwarranted racist statements by leaders of some nations. However, it shows Chinese unwillingness to rise above the situation and help other nations.
It is not difficult to understand the reason behind Chinese abrasiveness. Over the years, China has become the manufacturing hub of the world. All leading multinational companies have established their units in the country. As most of the emergency equipments are made in China, the country is arm-twisting the world either to surrender before it or to perish. But the Chinese authorities should keep in mind that such arrogance can be counter-productive. If China decides not to stand beside the world during this pandemic, the world will also think of other ways to reduce the dependence of China.
On the other hand, US President Donald Trump will always try to better the Chinese. Thus, he has already threatened to cut the grant of World Health Organisation (WHO), alleging the organisation of showing bias towards Beijing. Even if the allegation is true, US can’t withhold the grant as it is morally bound to financially help this specialised hand of United Nations (UN). Moreover, Mr. Trump warned India on the supply of hydroxychloroquine. A few days ago, the US President requested India to send Hydroxychloroquine tablets to combat the pandemic. But even before India could reply, Trump used aggressive language against India and threatened dire consequences if US demands were not met.
Such behaviour from the US president is unbecoming of a leader. The US may think that being one of the top countries in the world, it can impose its wishes on other nations. India definitely wants to maintain good relations with USA. But the relation should be built upon mutual trust and understanding. There should be no big brotherly attitude involved in this relationship. If US treats India badly, New Delhi has every right to give a befitting reply. This time India ignored the provocations keeping in view the present scenario. So, these two nations should stop thinking of themselves as the bosses. Instead, both US and China should stand beside other countries to ensure that mankind emerges victorious in the battle against this deadly virus.