A shipment of loaded masks on board an aircraft in China on March 22, 2020. – NEW CHINA / SIPA
Did the United States take out suitcases of cash on the Chinese tarmac to buy masks ordered by France? Accused by three regional presidents in the midst of the coronavirus, Washington flatly denied on Thursday. “The United States government has not purchased any masks to be delivered by China to France,” a senior administration official told AFP. “Reports claiming otherwise are completely false,” the official said on condition of anonymity.
Thursday, it is the president of the Ile-de-France region, Valérie Pécresse, who assured that she had lost a load of Chinese masks for the benefit of Americans who had “outbid” to obtain it. The elected representative did not specify which entities, public or private, represented these buyers.
A few days ago, the presidents of two other French regions had already denounced similar practices on the part of American buyers, without further details of their identity. “On the tarmac, the Americans take out the cash and pay three or four times (more expensive) for the orders we have made, so we really have to fight,” particularly deplored and Jean Rottner, president of the Grand-Est region .
Justin Trudeau “worried”
France is not the only country to accuse the United States. Last month, a shipment of masks purchased in China for Quebec, which was transiting through Europe, arrived smaller than expected after part was sold “to the highest bidder,” public broadcaster Radio Canada reported.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Thursday he was “very concerned” and asked his services to investigate. “We are very concerned,” said Justin Trudeau, in response to a question on the subject during his daily press conference. “I have heard of this information and of course it is concerning.” Trudeau said he “asked ministers to follow up,” adding that Canadian officials have discussed the issue of medical supplies with their American counterparts.
“We are working, not only here but also abroad, to ensure that equipment ordered by Canada arrives in Canada,” he said. “We understand that the needs in the United States are glaring, but the needs in Canada are glaring too,” said Justin Trudeau.
–
