Beijing criticizes Trump order barring foreign nationals who visited China amid outbreak

Beijing criticized the Trump administration after it barred foreign nationals who had visited China from entering the U.S. over concerns about the latest coronavirus outbreak.

“As the saying goes, a friend in need is a friend indeed. Many countries have offered China help and support through various ways. In contrast, the U.S. comments and actions are neither based on facts, nor helpful at this particular time,” said foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying. 

“While the [World Health Organization] has only just specifically advised against any travel restrictions, the US has decided to act in the opposite way,” she continued. “This has set a bad example. It is certainly not a gesture of goodwill.”

The rebuke came after the U.S. declared a public health emergency in response to the coronavirus outbreak, which has infected nearly 10,000 people worldwide. The order temporarily banned foreign nationals from entering the country if they have traveled in China within the preceding 14 days. 

“The risk of infection for Americans remains low. With these and previous actions we are working to keep the risk low,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar.

Most of the cases of the coronavirus have been contained to China. Twelve individuals in six countries have contracted the virus but did not travel to China. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified six cases of the coronavirus in the U.S. 

Hua said China remains committed to sharing information regarding the outbreak with international partners. 

“The Chinese government has released information and shared data with the US and the rest of the international community in a timely, transparent and responsible manner,” Hua said.

The death toll from the outbreak has topped 250, according to several estimates.