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Coronavirus Live Updates: Clusters in Japan May Hint at How Virus Spreads Coronavirus Live Updates: Clusters in Japan May Hint at How Virus Spreads
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READ UPDATES IN CHINESE: 新冠病毒疫情最新消息汇总READ UPDATES IN CHINESE: 新冠病毒疫情最新消息汇总
Public health officials are studying clusters of coronavirus cases that have emerged in Japan, searching for clues about how far the epidemic will expand beyond its center in China.Public health officials are studying clusters of coronavirus cases that have emerged in Japan, searching for clues about how far the epidemic will expand beyond its center in China.
The issue has taken on greater urgency as hundreds of passengers disembark from the Diamond Princess, a contaminated cruise ship in Yokohama where 621 people have tested positive for the virus. Japan declared the ship’s two-week quarantine over, despite an uptick in cases among the passengers still onboard.The issue has taken on greater urgency as hundreds of passengers disembark from the Diamond Princess, a contaminated cruise ship in Yokohama where 621 people have tested positive for the virus. Japan declared the ship’s two-week quarantine over, despite an uptick in cases among the passengers still onboard.
Alarmed officials are rushing to learn more about how the virus is transmitted, including how many of those infected experience mild symptoms or none at all, and to what extent it can be spread by people who experience no symptoms.Alarmed officials are rushing to learn more about how the virus is transmitted, including how many of those infected experience mild symptoms or none at all, and to what extent it can be spread by people who experience no symptoms.
Virologists see two likely explanations for the spread of clusters. In one, a “superspreader” — a person who has the propensity to spew more germs than others — transmits the virus to a large group of people.Virologists see two likely explanations for the spread of clusters. In one, a “superspreader” — a person who has the propensity to spew more germs than others — transmits the virus to a large group of people.
Alternatively, people can independently catch a virus from contaminated surfaces. It is unclear how long the new coronavirus can survive on surfaces, but studies of other such viruses have found they can stay active for a week or more.Alternatively, people can independently catch a virus from contaminated surfaces. It is unclear how long the new coronavirus can survive on surfaces, but studies of other such viruses have found they can stay active for a week or more.
On Thursday, a Japanese health ministry official said two infected passengers who were quarantined on the ship have died. The two, both Japanese, were an 87-year-old man and an 84-year-old woman, the Japanese broadcaster NHK reported. Both had underlying health issues, the broadcaster said.On Thursday, a Japanese health ministry official said two infected passengers who were quarantined on the ship have died. The two, both Japanese, were an 87-year-old man and an 84-year-old woman, the Japanese broadcaster NHK reported. Both had underlying health issues, the broadcaster said.
The authorities have said they are releasing only people who have tested negative for the virus — though testing has been unreliable — and are showing no symptoms. But experts on infectious diseases have pointed to deficiencies in the quarantine protocols on the ship and questioned the decision to let them go free.The authorities have said they are releasing only people who have tested negative for the virus — though testing has been unreliable — and are showing no symptoms. But experts on infectious diseases have pointed to deficiencies in the quarantine protocols on the ship and questioned the decision to let them go free.
With more than half of China’s population now under some form of lockdown, and its economy nearly at a standstill, business leaders and economists are increasingly arguing that Beijing’s efforts to fight the coronavirus are hurting people’s lives and livelihoods while doing little to the stop the virus’s spread.With more than half of China’s population now under some form of lockdown, and its economy nearly at a standstill, business leaders and economists are increasingly arguing that Beijing’s efforts to fight the coronavirus are hurting people’s lives and livelihoods while doing little to the stop the virus’s spread.
If the country becomes poorer because of emergency health measures, they say, public health could deteriorate more than it would due to the outbreak itself.If the country becomes poorer because of emergency health measures, they say, public health could deteriorate more than it would due to the outbreak itself.
“Strike a balance that is conducive to protecting lives,” wrote James Liang, the executive chairman of Trip.com, China’s dominant online travel agency, in a widely circulated essay this week.“Strike a balance that is conducive to protecting lives,” wrote James Liang, the executive chairman of Trip.com, China’s dominant online travel agency, in a widely circulated essay this week.
The debate — including questions about whether mandatory 14-day quarantines, roadblocks and checkpoints are really necessary in areas where there have been few cases — is unusual in a country where dissent is frequently censored.The debate — including questions about whether mandatory 14-day quarantines, roadblocks and checkpoints are really necessary in areas where there have been few cases — is unusual in a country where dissent is frequently censored.
Experts say there may be a middle ground between helping the economy and fighting the virus. A very strong emphasis on hand washing and on the immediate isolation of the sick may be more effective than mass quarantines, said Jennifer Huang Bouey, a Georgetown University epidemiologist.Experts say there may be a middle ground between helping the economy and fighting the virus. A very strong emphasis on hand washing and on the immediate isolation of the sick may be more effective than mass quarantines, said Jennifer Huang Bouey, a Georgetown University epidemiologist.
The Chinese government is already taking these actions — indeed, local governments have even been requiring companies to set up hand-washing stations for employees before allowing production to resume. But for now, national and local authorities in China say that quarantines are still needed as an additional measure, given the lack of a vaccine or proven medical treatment for the new disease.The Chinese government is already taking these actions — indeed, local governments have even been requiring companies to set up hand-washing stations for employees before allowing production to resume. But for now, national and local authorities in China say that quarantines are still needed as an additional measure, given the lack of a vaccine or proven medical treatment for the new disease.
Updated Feb. 10, 2020
On Thursday, officials in Beijing announced steps to help businesses struggling with the impact of the coronavirus.On Thursday, officials in Beijing announced steps to help businesses struggling with the impact of the coronavirus.
Companies that have no more than 2,000 employees would be exempt until June from paying the government for three kinds of employee benefits — pension, unemployment insurance and work injury insurance — said You Jun, vice minister for Human Resources and Social Security, at a briefing in Beijing on Thursday. In Hubei Province, companies of all sizes will be exempt until June from paying the government for three kinds of employee benefits — pension, unemployment insurance and work injury insurance — said You Jun, vice minister for Human Resources and Social Security, at a briefing in Beijing on Thursday.
Large companies outside of Hubei Province could halve the payment for up to three months. Updated Feb. 10, 2020
Mr. You said that the reduction and exemption in payments of three kinds of benefits was expected to save companies more than 500 billion yuan, or more than $71 billion. Outside of Hubei, companies that have no more than 2,000 employees would receive the full exemption until June, and larger companies would be allowed to halve the payments for up to three months.
A group of Russian Cossacks is sending patrols into a Chinatown in the Ural Mountains in search of people who they fear may be spreading the coronavirus, Russian news outlets reported on Thursday. Mr. You said that the reduction and exemption in payments was expected to save companies more than 500 billion yuan, or more than $71 billion.
Trials of two drug therapies against the coronavirus are beginning in China, World Health Organization officials said on Thursday. Early results may be available within three weeks.
One trial involves remdesivir, an experimental antiviral drug made by Gilead. It has not yet been licensed for use in any disease.
The drug was tested against the Ebola virus in Congo, where it was not very effective. But when it was given to the first American known to be infected with the coronavirus, an unidentified man in Washington State, he recovered.
The second treatment that is undergoing a trial is of a combination of two anti-H.I.V. drugs, ritonavir and lopinavir. That combination is sold as Kaletra in the United States and available in generic versions that are made cheaply by several Indian pharmaceutical companies.
If either therapy helps prevent severe pneumonia, sepsis or organ failure in patients with coronavirus disease, death rates may significantly fall. Right now, almost 5 percent of coronavirus patients become critically ill and 2.3 percent die, according to the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
Those fatality and severity rates are based on an initial study of almost 45,000 patients released by the China C.D.C. on Monday.
Two other drugs, favipiravir and chloroquine, have been discussed as possible coronavirus treatments because they have shown some effectiveness in laboratory tests. Neither is being tested in a clinical trial at this time, according to Dr. Janet Diaz, head of clinical care in the W.H.O.’s health emergencies division.
A group of Russian Cossacks is sending patrols into a Chinatown in the Ural Mountains in search of people who they fear may be spreading the coronavirus, Russian news outlets reported on Thursday.
The patrols have raised the prospect of vigilante violence targeting Chinese people as fears over the coronavirus grow, but the patrol organizers insist that is not happening.The patrols have raised the prospect of vigilante violence targeting Chinese people as fears over the coronavirus grow, but the patrol organizers insist that is not happening.
The three-man patrols approach people who sneeze or cough and recommend that they visit a hospital, Znak.com reported, citing the group’s leader, Gennady Kovalyov. They also hand out face masks in the Chinese neighborhood.The three-man patrols approach people who sneeze or cough and recommend that they visit a hospital, Znak.com reported, citing the group’s leader, Gennady Kovalyov. They also hand out face masks in the Chinese neighborhood.
“This is our little help for society,” Mr. Kovalyov said. “There are no statistics on the success of our action, but thanks to the masks at least somebody won’t be infected.”“This is our little help for society,” Mr. Kovalyov said. “There are no statistics on the success of our action, but thanks to the masks at least somebody won’t be infected.”
Such groups have previously coordinated with the Russian police for crowd control but are not part of the government.Such groups have previously coordinated with the Russian police for crowd control but are not part of the government.
In neighboring Ukraine, residents of a village tried to block a road leading to a rural clinic where Ukrainians evacuated from the Chinese province of Hubei — the area at the center of the outbreak — will be quarantined for two weeks.In neighboring Ukraine, residents of a village tried to block a road leading to a rural clinic where Ukrainians evacuated from the Chinese province of Hubei — the area at the center of the outbreak — will be quarantined for two weeks.
President Volodymyr Zelensky responded by assuring Ukrainians that the evacuees had showed no signs of illness when they left China and that precautions were being taken to prevent the virus from spreading in Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelensky responded by assuring Ukrainians that the evacuees had showed no signs of illness when they left China and that precautions were being taken to prevent the virus from spreading in Ukraine.
“But there is another danger I would like to mention,” he said in a statement. “The danger of forgetting that we are all human and we are all Ukrainian” and that the evacuees should be treated humanely.“But there is another danger I would like to mention,” he said in a statement. “The danger of forgetting that we are all human and we are all Ukrainian” and that the evacuees should be treated humanely.
Chinese health authorities announced on Thursday that they were using new criteria to count cases of the coronavirus, appearing to undo a change they had announced just a week ago.Chinese health authorities announced on Thursday that they were using new criteria to count cases of the coronavirus, appearing to undo a change they had announced just a week ago.
That earlier change allowed health officials in Hubei Province — the hardest-hit area of the outbreak — to count cases diagnosed in clinical settings, including with the use of CT scans showing lung infections, not just those confirmed using specialized kits to test for the virus.That earlier change allowed health officials in Hubei Province — the hardest-hit area of the outbreak — to count cases diagnosed in clinical settings, including with the use of CT scans showing lung infections, not just those confirmed using specialized kits to test for the virus.
The government in Hubei has been confronted with a severe shortage of testing kits and hospital beds, and officials described the use of CT scans and clinical symptoms as a way to help identify more patients and get them into needed care.The government in Hubei has been confronted with a severe shortage of testing kits and hospital beds, and officials described the use of CT scans and clinical symptoms as a way to help identify more patients and get them into needed care.
But the government said Hubei would now resume using the same criteria as the rest of the country. All cases will only be considered confirmed after finding the virus.But the government said Hubei would now resume using the same criteria as the rest of the country. All cases will only be considered confirmed after finding the virus.
The change has caused confusion among public health experts, who said it is now even more difficult to track the outbreak.The change has caused confusion among public health experts, who said it is now even more difficult to track the outbreak.
“For an epidemiologist, it’s really frustrating when case definitions keep on changing,” said Benjamin Cowling, a professor of epidemiology at the University of Hong Kong. “Why can’t they work out what’s a probable, suspected and confirmed case? It’s totally confusing.”“For an epidemiologist, it’s really frustrating when case definitions keep on changing,” said Benjamin Cowling, a professor of epidemiology at the University of Hong Kong. “Why can’t they work out what’s a probable, suspected and confirmed case? It’s totally confusing.”
Health officials have run into problems with the viral tests, which can be difficult to conduct and often turn up false negatives. It also takes at least two days to process the results.Health officials have run into problems with the viral tests, which can be difficult to conduct and often turn up false negatives. It also takes at least two days to process the results.
But lung scans are also an imperfect means to diagnose patients, leading to the possibility of an overcount. Even patients with ordinary seasonal flu may develop pneumonia visible on a lung scan.But lung scans are also an imperfect means to diagnose patients, leading to the possibility of an overcount. Even patients with ordinary seasonal flu may develop pneumonia visible on a lung scan.
On Thursday, the number of new cases in the previous 24 hours fell sharply across the country, to 394, from 1,749 the day before, according to data from Chinese health officials. It was not immediately clear whether the decline was a result of changes in how the Chinese government defines cases.On Thursday, the number of new cases in the previous 24 hours fell sharply across the country, to 394, from 1,749 the day before, according to data from Chinese health officials. It was not immediately clear whether the decline was a result of changes in how the Chinese government defines cases.
The total number of infections in the country reached 74,576 on Thursday. There were 114 more deaths in the country on Wednesday, bringing the toll to 2,118.The total number of infections in the country reached 74,576 on Thursday. There were 114 more deaths in the country on Wednesday, bringing the toll to 2,118.
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Amazon, which typically stocks more than 100 million items and relies heavily on Chinese manufacturing, is becoming a case study in how a giant retailer grapples with the fallout from the coronavirus.Amazon, which typically stocks more than 100 million items and relies heavily on Chinese manufacturing, is becoming a case study in how a giant retailer grapples with the fallout from the coronavirus.
As the outbreak shuts or slows factories in China, Amazon has responded by making larger and more frequent orders of Chinese-made products that had already been shipped to the U.S., trying to keep up its inventory. Some sellers have also reduced their advertising and promotions on the site so they don’t run out of products.As the outbreak shuts or slows factories in China, Amazon has responded by making larger and more frequent orders of Chinese-made products that had already been shipped to the U.S., trying to keep up its inventory. Some sellers have also reduced their advertising and promotions on the site so they don’t run out of products.
The company — which is likely to feel potential shortages of goods earlier than its peers because it usually keeps fewer items on hand — also sent an urgent email to brands about Prime Day, its large midsummer sale, indicating that it has begun worrying about inventory for the event.The company — which is likely to feel potential shortages of goods earlier than its peers because it usually keeps fewer items on hand — also sent an urgent email to brands about Prime Day, its large midsummer sale, indicating that it has begun worrying about inventory for the event.
Some of the potential supply problem may be hidden, since even products made in America can rely on Chinese suppliers.Some of the potential supply problem may be hidden, since even products made in America can rely on Chinese suppliers.
Air France-KLM Group said the coronavirus outbreak could cut its earnings by as much as 200 million euros, about $216 million, between February and April this year.Air France-KLM Group said the coronavirus outbreak could cut its earnings by as much as 200 million euros, about $216 million, between February and April this year.
Weaker demand for long-haul flights and connections to Asia, as well as the suspension of operations in China, led to estimates of a severe hit to the group’s income, the airline said in an earnings presentation on Thursday.Weaker demand for long-haul flights and connections to Asia, as well as the suspension of operations in China, led to estimates of a severe hit to the group’s income, the airline said in an earnings presentation on Thursday.
Air cargo traffic has also been affected, pulling down revenue even further.Air cargo traffic has also been affected, pulling down revenue even further.
Air France-KLM said that it had planned to increase its capacity by 2 to 3 percent this year, but that the coronavirus meant it was likely to be nearer 2 percent and would have to depend on growth in European areas.Air France-KLM said that it had planned to increase its capacity by 2 to 3 percent this year, but that the coronavirus meant it was likely to be nearer 2 percent and would have to depend on growth in European areas.
More than 20 international airlines have suspended or restricted routes that end in Wuhan, the center of the outbreak, and other major Chinese cities.More than 20 international airlines have suspended or restricted routes that end in Wuhan, the center of the outbreak, and other major Chinese cities.
When Apple told shareholders this week that it would take a financial hit because of the coronavirus epidemic, it was the kind of warning that might have inspired a sharp sell-off on Wall Street.When Apple told shareholders this week that it would take a financial hit because of the coronavirus epidemic, it was the kind of warning that might have inspired a sharp sell-off on Wall Street.
But the stock market has barely reacted, despite the idling of countless factories and fears that the virus could spread more widely. The S&P 500 index is up 5.6 percent from its levels at the end of January, when the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a global health emergency.But the stock market has barely reacted, despite the idling of countless factories and fears that the virus could spread more widely. The S&P 500 index is up 5.6 percent from its levels at the end of January, when the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a global health emergency.
Even the Dow Jones travel and tourism index, which includes airlines and hotel chains that would suffer from a drop in Asian tourism, is down just 1.2 percent since mid-January, when coronavirus fears started becoming widespread.Even the Dow Jones travel and tourism index, which includes airlines and hotel chains that would suffer from a drop in Asian tourism, is down just 1.2 percent since mid-January, when coronavirus fears started becoming widespread.
U.S. stock investors seem to be betting that the Fed will bail them out of any damage to corporate profits and the world economy. But this means they are also betting that the Fed’s diminished capacity to deal with future shocks won’t be a problem. U.S. stock investors seem to be betting that the Fed will bail them out of any damage to corporate profits and the world economy. But this means they are also betting that the Fed’s diminished capacity to deal with future shocks won’t be a problem.
South Korea reported what officials said could be its first death from the coronavirus on Thursday, as the number of people infected in the country more than doubled.South Korea reported what officials said could be its first death from the coronavirus on Thursday, as the number of people infected in the country more than doubled.
A 63-year-old patient with symptoms of pneumonia died on Wednesday at the Daenam Hospital in Cheongdo, a town in the southeast of South Korea, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. On Thursday, officials learned that the patient had been infected with the coronavirus.A 63-year-old patient with symptoms of pneumonia died on Wednesday at the Daenam Hospital in Cheongdo, a town in the southeast of South Korea, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. On Thursday, officials learned that the patient had been infected with the coronavirus.
The patient had been hospitalized in the psychiatric ward of the hospital for the past 20 years, officials said. Health officials have been testing the 109 patients in the psychiatric ward, as well as staff members, since two patients tested positive for the virus on Wednesday.The patient had been hospitalized in the psychiatric ward of the hospital for the past 20 years, officials said. Health officials have been testing the 109 patients in the psychiatric ward, as well as staff members, since two patients tested positive for the virus on Wednesday.
South Korea reported 53 additional cases of the coronavirus on Thursday, bringing the total to 104.South Korea reported 53 additional cases of the coronavirus on Thursday, bringing the total to 104.
All but two of the 53 new patients were residents of Daegu, a city 80 miles southeast of Seoul, or residents of the surrounding province of North Gyeongsang. Twenty-eight of the new patients were members of a church in Daegu where 43 members were confirmed to have been infected.All but two of the 53 new patients were residents of Daegu, a city 80 miles southeast of Seoul, or residents of the surrounding province of North Gyeongsang. Twenty-eight of the new patients were members of a church in Daegu where 43 members were confirmed to have been infected.
All 747 crew members remaining aboard the cruise ship Westerdam in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, have been tested for the coronavirus, and none of them were found to be infected, the cruise company, Holland America Line, announced Thursday.All 747 crew members remaining aboard the cruise ship Westerdam in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, have been tested for the coronavirus, and none of them were found to be infected, the cruise company, Holland America Line, announced Thursday.
With these tests results, all 1,528 passengers and crew members who remained in Cambodia have tested negative for the virus and are cleared to leave the country, the cruise company said.With these tests results, all 1,528 passengers and crew members who remained in Cambodia have tested negative for the virus and are cleared to leave the country, the cruise company said.
The ship, which left Hong Kong on Feb. 1 with more than 2,200 people aboard, was turned away by ports in five countries before Cambodia agreed to let it dock a week ago.The ship, which left Hong Kong on Feb. 1 with more than 2,200 people aboard, was turned away by ports in five countries before Cambodia agreed to let it dock a week ago.
The company said there was never any sign of coronavirus aboard the ship, but one passenger, an 83-year-old American woman, was found to have the virus after she departed and was stopped by airport health inspectors in Malaysia.The company said there was never any sign of coronavirus aboard the ship, but one passenger, an 83-year-old American woman, was found to have the virus after she departed and was stopped by airport health inspectors in Malaysia.
Holland America said Wednesday that all 781 passengers who remained in Cambodia had tested negative for the disease and were free to leave the country.Holland America said Wednesday that all 781 passengers who remained in Cambodia had tested negative for the disease and were free to leave the country.
Earlier this week, a comedian from Oregon who had performed on the Westerdam posted a video on YouTube boasting about how he slipped out of his hotel and headed to the airport before his test results had come back.Earlier this week, a comedian from Oregon who had performed on the Westerdam posted a video on YouTube boasting about how he slipped out of his hotel and headed to the airport before his test results had come back.
The man, Frank King, said in the video that he had eluded hotel security. KOMO-TV in Seattle reported that he arrived home on Monday. He said that he had been “cleared by the C.D.C.” and did not have any symptoms, but regretted his decision because of a backlash on social media.The man, Frank King, said in the video that he had eluded hotel security. KOMO-TV in Seattle reported that he arrived home on Monday. He said that he had been “cleared by the C.D.C.” and did not have any symptoms, but regretted his decision because of a backlash on social media.
In an email to The Times on Thursday, he said that in hindsight, he would have chosen to stay “simply to avoid recrimination.”In an email to The Times on Thursday, he said that in hindsight, he would have chosen to stay “simply to avoid recrimination.”
China’s foreign ministry on Thursday defended its decision to expel three Wall Street Journal reporters in retaliation for a coronavirus-related headline in the newspaper’s opinion section.China’s foreign ministry on Thursday defended its decision to expel three Wall Street Journal reporters in retaliation for a coronavirus-related headline in the newspaper’s opinion section.
Geng Shuang, a ministry spokesman, pushed back against the notion that the reporters should not be faulted for a piece in the editorial pages, which operate separately.Geng Shuang, a ministry spokesman, pushed back against the notion that the reporters should not be faulted for a piece in the editorial pages, which operate separately.
“We are not interested in the division of work within the W.S.J.,” Mr. Geng Shuang said at a news conference. “There is only one media agency called the W.S.J., and it must be responsible for what it has said and done,” he added.“We are not interested in the division of work within the W.S.J.,” Mr. Geng Shuang said at a news conference. “There is only one media agency called the W.S.J., and it must be responsible for what it has said and done,” he added.
The headline, “China Is the Real Sick Man of Asia,” appeared on an essay by the scholar Walter Russell Mead that was published on Feb. 3. The piece criticized China’s initial response to the coronavirus outbreak and the state of the country’s financial markets.The headline, “China Is the Real Sick Man of Asia,” appeared on an essay by the scholar Walter Russell Mead that was published on Feb. 3. The piece criticized China’s initial response to the coronavirus outbreak and the state of the country’s financial markets.
The expression “sick man of Asia” is a derogatory characterization of China’s weaknesses in the late 1800s and early 1900s.The expression “sick man of Asia” is a derogatory characterization of China’s weaknesses in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
“Those media who blatantly insult China, pitch racial discrimination and maliciously smear China must pay their price,” Mr. Geng said.“Those media who blatantly insult China, pitch racial discrimination and maliciously smear China must pay their price,” Mr. Geng said.
The coronavirus epidemic has become the latest and potentially most divisive issue driving apart the United States and China. For the fiercest critics of China within the Trump administration, panic over the coronavirus has provided a new opening to denounce the rule of the Communist Party, which they say cannot be trusted.The coronavirus epidemic has become the latest and potentially most divisive issue driving apart the United States and China. For the fiercest critics of China within the Trump administration, panic over the coronavirus has provided a new opening to denounce the rule of the Communist Party, which they say cannot be trusted.
But the hard-liners’ message has been undermined at times by President Trump, who has publicly commended President Xi Jinping’s handling of the crisis and even called for greater commercial ties, including the sale of jet engines to China.But the hard-liners’ message has been undermined at times by President Trump, who has publicly commended President Xi Jinping’s handling of the crisis and even called for greater commercial ties, including the sale of jet engines to China.
“Look,’’ Mr. Trump said on Tuesday, “I know this: President Xi loves the people of China, he loves his country, and he’s doing a very good job with a very, very tough situation.”“Look,’’ Mr. Trump said on Tuesday, “I know this: President Xi loves the people of China, he loves his country, and he’s doing a very good job with a very, very tough situation.”
It has become a staple of the Trump administration: sending mixed messages that reflect a good-cop-bad-cop tactic, a real internal disagreement over policy or simply the caprice of the president.It has become a staple of the Trump administration: sending mixed messages that reflect a good-cop-bad-cop tactic, a real internal disagreement over policy or simply the caprice of the president.
But over all, the most hawkish voices on China have dominated the conversation, lashing out at Beijing as it reels from one challenge after another — a trade war with Washington, protests in Hong Kong and now the struggle to contain the coronavirus.But over all, the most hawkish voices on China have dominated the conversation, lashing out at Beijing as it reels from one challenge after another — a trade war with Washington, protests in Hong Kong and now the struggle to contain the coronavirus.
Reporting and research were contributed by Sui-Lee Wee, Keith Bradsher, Choe Sang-Hun, Alexandra Stevenson, Andrew Kramer, Richard C. Paddock, Steven Lee Myers, Elaine Yu, Amie Tsang, Neil Irwin, Karen Weise, Michael Corkery, Tess Felder, Karen Zraick, Russell Goldman, Tiffany May, Edward Wong, Makiko Inoue, Eimi Yamamitsu and Claire Fu.Reporting and research were contributed by Sui-Lee Wee, Keith Bradsher, Choe Sang-Hun, Alexandra Stevenson, Andrew Kramer, Richard C. Paddock, Steven Lee Myers, Elaine Yu, Amie Tsang, Neil Irwin, Karen Weise, Michael Corkery, Tess Felder, Karen Zraick, Russell Goldman, Tiffany May, Edward Wong, Makiko Inoue, Eimi Yamamitsu and Claire Fu.