Stars and Stripes – US officials craft retaliatory actions against China over pandemic
April 30, 2020
WASHINGTON — Senior U.S. officials are beginning to explore proposals for punishing or demanding financial compensation from China for its handling of the coronavirus pandemic, according to four senior administration officials with knowledge of internal planning.
The move could splinter already-strained relations between the two superpowers at a perilous moment for the global economy.
Senior officials across government agencies are expected to meet Thursday to consider retaliatory measures against China, said two people with knowledge of the meeting who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorized to disclose the planning. Officials in U.S. intelligence agencies also are involved in the effort.