INDIAN-AMERICAN politician Nikki Haley has launched an online petition seeking to hold China's communist government accountable for "lying" about the coronavirus pandemic.
More than 40,000 people had signed the 'Stop Communist China' petition on Friday (24), hours after being initiated by the former South Carolina governor who set a goal of getting 100,000 signatures.
"China's Communist government needs to be held accountable for their role in lying about the Coronavirus pandemic, and the US Congress needs to respond - now,” said Haley, 48, a former US ambassador to the United Nations.
“Join us in our fight to stop China from gaining influence in America and around the world. Sign this petition and please share with your friends,” the Republican politician added.
“Sign our petition to stop the Chinese Communist government's deception and manipulation. We need Congress to act NOW to prevent China's growing influence.”
We have long warned about the threats China’s Communist govt poses. Now we are seeing just how dangerous China is. The time for warnings is over. We must act and protect American security, health, and prosperity. Retweet and let’s send Congress a message.https://t.co/9vFHI9dCz9
— Nikki Haley (@NikkiHaley) April 23, 2020
The petition urged members of the US Congress to probe whether Beijing covered up the coronavirus outbreak.
Furthermore, it sought an end to American reliance on China for critical medical supplies and pharmaceuticals, and action to make the Asian giant pay its fair share to the UN.
The petition also backed Taiwan against China's bullying, and wanted all US colleges to disclose Chinese funding.
Earlier this week, Haley had called for an emergency UN Security Council meeting on China's involvement and knowledge of the virus.
“As soon as the UN opens again, the US should call for an emergency Security Council meeting on China's involvement and knowledge of the virus. When did they know & decisions made. If ever the was a time to have a world discussion, it would be following this pandemic,” Haley said in a tweet.
Responding to her tweet, the Chinese ambassador to the UN, Zhang Jun, asserted that his country had nothing to hide.
“All the facts are on the table. Epidemics may occur anywhere. The most important thing is to defeat the virus and save lives. China has done its job and is now working hard in helping others. Attempts of scapegoating or stigma go nowhere,” Zhang said.
If that is the case, Haley argued, China should have no problem in a Security Council meeting on the pandemic.
“I'm assuming you would have no problem expressing that in a Security Council meeting. Other countries including the US have some questions we would like answered,” Haley said.
