Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has hit back at US, saying that a “political virus” is spreading in the country, causing politicians there to take ‘every opportunity’ to attack and discredit China. However, he also struck a conciliatory tone, calling for the 2 sides to work together to tackle Covid-19. His comments came on the side lines of China’s annual legislative meetings in Beijing, where Covid-19 and Sino-US ties were key areas of focus. Associate Professor Li Mingjiang of RSIS said Wang had demonstrated some restraint and made an effort not to antagonise the US further. “There was some intent to balance his comments. While he was critical of the US, he was also urging decision-makers in Washington to be rational and cooperate with China,” he added.