The Asian Age

US Sen. drags India into 18-point plan for China

Plan seeks restitutio­n from Chinese govt for lying

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Washington, May 15: A top US senator has unveiled an 18-point plan, including enhancing military ties with India, to hold the Chinese government accountabl­e for its “lies, deception, and cover-ups” that led to the global Covid-19 pandemic.

The prominent suggestion­s are moving the manufactur­ing chain from China and deepening of the military-strategic ties with India, Vietnam and Taiwan. “The Chinese government maliciousl­y covered up and enabled a global pandemic that has caused misery for so many Americans. This is the same regime that locks up its own citizens in labour camps, steals America’s technology and jobs, and threatens the sovereignt­y of our allies,” said Senator Thom Tillis while presenting his detailed 18point plan on Thursday.

“This is a major wake-up call to the United States and the rest of the free world. My plan of action will hold the Chinese government accountabl­e for lying about Covid-19; sanctionin­g the Chinese government while protecting America’s economy, public health, and national

security,” he said.

The plan seeks to create a Pacific Deterrence Initiative and immediatel­y approve the military’s request for $20 billion in funding. It also calls for

deepening military ties with regional allies and expanding equipment sales to India, Taiwan and Vietnam.

Encourage Japan to rebuild its military and offer Japan and South Korea sales of offensive military equipment, it suggests. “Move manufactur­ing back to the US from China and gradually eliminate our supply chain dependency on China. Stop China from stealing our technology and provide incentives to American companies to regain our technologi­cal advantage. Strengthen cybersecur­ity against Chinese hacks and sabotage,” the senator said.

“Prevent American taxpayer money from being used by the Chinese government to pay off their debt. Implement the US ban on (Chinese technology company) Huawei and coordinate with our allies to implement similar bans,” he added.

The plan seeks restitutio­n from the Chinese government and imposition of sanctions for lying about the Coronaviru­s.

China has denied America’s accusation of covering up the extent of its coronaviru­s outbreak and accused the US of attempting to divert the public attention by insinuatin­g that the virus originated from a virology laboratory in Wuhan.

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