Chinese ambassador to the US, Cui Tian Kai, criticized Republican Senator Tom Cotton for "spreading rumors" and "suspicion" about the corona virus.

In an interview with the program "Face the Nation" broadcast on February 9 on CBS, Ambassador Cui admitted "there are still many unknowns" about the new strain of corona virus (nCoV) and scientists in China, the United States as well as around the world "are trying their best to study" about it.

Asked about the comments made by Arkansas Republican Senator Tom Cotton last week, saying the virus could have originated from China's bio-weapons program, Ambassador Cui reacted strongly.

"Such comments are very harmful, very dangerous to spread doubts, rumors within the community," he said. "First, it will cause panic. Next, it will spark a wave of racism, xenophobia. It will only weaken our joint efforts to fight the virus."

After the show aired, Senator Cotton rebutted on Twitter, emphasizing the information he gave "neither hypothesis nor conspiracy theory". "The fact is that China lied about the virus originating in the food market in Wuhan," he wrote.

The Chinese diplomat also defended China's treatment of Dr. Li Wenliang, who first warned of the risk of an outbreak, but was investigated by police, demanding that he remain silent. Doctor Ly was later vindicated, but died of the virus.

"We are deeply saddened by Dr. Li's death. He is a good doctor. He is a devoted doctor and has tried his best to protect the health of the people. We are very grateful. him, "said the Ambassador. "I don't know who tries to silence him but there are definitely disagreements and people not being able to reach a common consensus on the exact virus question. How does it affect people?" ? ".

"Maybe some people don't react quickly enough. Maybe Dr. Li understands the dangers in front of others, but that can happen anywhere. However, if we find out where there is omissions, we will do our best to correct the errors, "he stressed.

Epidemic pneumonia caused by nCoV started in Wuhan in December, then spread to more than 30 provinces of China and 26 countries and territories around the world. The current death toll is 910 with more than 40,000 cases globally.