China urges the United States to clarify its biological militarization activities

Beijing-Sana

China today urged the United States to provide comprehensive clarification on biomilitarization activities abroad, noting that such activities are not transparent, safe or justified.

"This is not the first time that the international community has expressed its concern about the US biomilitarization activities in other countries," Xinhua quoted Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian as saying at a regular press conference, adding that China has repeatedly stressed that such activities are not transparent or Safe or justified. Zhao made the remarks in response to a question about a report that Dmitry Medvedev, Vice President of the Russian Security Council, said .. US research activities in vital laboratories of members of the Commonwealth of Independent States caused great concern.

Medvedev was quoted as saying that "the United States is not only building vital laboratories in these countries, but also trying to do so in other places around the world," noting that its research lacks transparency and conflicts with the rules of the international community and international organizations.

Zhao pointed out that according to media reports, the United States has established many vital laboratories in 25 countries and regions throughout the Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia and the countries of the former Soviet Union, with the construction of 16 laboratories in Ukraine alone.

In some places where the laboratories are located, measles and other serious infectious diseases have become widespread.

The American newspaper USA Today reported that since 2003, hundreds of accidents involving accidental contact with deadly pathogens have occurred in American vital laboratories at home and abroad, and this may cause direct contacts who may then spread viruses in communities and start the spread of epidemics. The speaker also raised questions about the purpose and safety standards of the many vital laboratories around the world.

"Why is the military leading this effort, how many sensitive biological resources, and what is the volume of information it has obtained from relevant countries," he said, asking whether there is any potential risk of leakage. The spokesman also asked, "Why has the United States, for more than a decade, been standing alone in the way of negotiations?" On the Biological Weapons Convention Protocol, which includes a verification regime.

The United States should be open, transparent and accountable, respond to international concerns, faithfully implement its obligations under the BWC, clarify biomilitarization activities abroad, and stop obstructing negotiations on a protocol that includes a verification regime, Zhao said.