U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo pressed China’s top diplomat on the need for full transparency and information sharing as Washington ramped up its pressure on Beijing over the coronavirus outbreak.
Pompeo conveyed the U.S. position to his counterpart, Yang Jiechi, China’s top diplomat. "The Secretary stressed the need for full transparency and information sharing to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and prevent future outbreaks," a State Department readout on the call said.
The Secretary of State also told Yang about the "high importance" Washington attached to China’s facilitation of medical supply exports to meet critical demand in the U.S., Reuters reported.
Chinese state broadcaster CCTV reported that Yang told Pompeo it was crucial for Washington and Beijing to properly manage their relations during the outbreak and that he hoped the United States would meet China halfway, focus on cooperation and help to promote their relationship.
