Australia accuses China of fuelling Covid-19 "infodemic"
Australia's foreign minister accused China on Tuesday of adding to a good climate of "fear and division" more than the Covid-19 coronavirus in a good speech also attacking Russia and Turkey for spreading disinformation about the condition.
Speaking in the Australian National University in Canberra, Marise Payne stated the virus had provided fertile ground to get fake news, and highlighted Twitter's actions in uncovering the role Russia, China and Turkey got allegedly played in the platform.
"Twitter disclosed over 32,000 accounts when state-linked information operations, that your company related to Russia to China and Turkey," Payne said.
"For our portion, it really is troubling that some countries are employing the pandemic to undermine liberal democracy to market their own more authoritarian models."
Payne also labelled Beijing's warnings to citizens against going to Australia as a result of potential racist attacks seeing that "disinformation."
"At a time such as this, what we need is cooperation and understanding," she said.
She called for nation's to bolster global bodies including the World Health Organisation to counter the "infodemic."
"We will do so through facts and transparency, underpinned by liberal democratic ideals that we will continue steadily to promote residence and abroad," explained Payne.
Tensions between Beijing and Canberra experience escalated steadily since Australia joined demands an international probe into the origins of coronavirus and its handling by China.
Beijing has since taken retaliatory measures, including targeting trade with Australia and discouraging its citizens from visiting the united states.
Chinese travellers represent the largest group of tourists to Australia, as well as a significant and lucrative income source from university students.
Payne acknowledged Australia may have made itself a good target by speaking out for an assessment on coronavirus, but said it turned out in Australia's best long-term interests.
"There are occasions to pursue quiet diplomacy behind the scenes, but additionally, there are situations to voice our concern and persuade others of the need for a plan of action," she said. - AFP
