On Thursday, US Senator Thom Tillis presented an 18-point plan that seeks to hold China accountable with the help of its regional allies, for its ‘lies, deception and cover-ups’. This plan includes enhancing military ties with India.
The 18-point plan comprises of $20 billion funding for strengthening of ties with regional allies through the military and expanding equipment sales to India, Taiwan and Vietnam.
Mr. Tillis said that “the Chinese government maliciously covered up and enabled a global pandemic” causing 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”, he added.
Tillis blames China of know suppressing information and claimed that China knew about the damage and the danger corona virus could bring. He alleged that the Chinese government did not disclose information for months and said that thousands of lives could have been saved had China been truthful.
He also called for bringing back manufacturing companies from China and gradually eliminate the supply chain dependency on China.
Senator Trellis also urged the Trump Administration to request the International Olympics Committee to cancel the 2022 Winter Olympics to be held in Beijing. He also called for investigation of the WHO to ensure that the organization is working independently.
A legislation to hold China accountable is also on its way. The Covid-19 Accountability Act was introduced in the US Congress to impose sanctions on China if it fails to cooperate with a full investigation led by the US or its allies.