Month: April 2021

(Xinhua)08:42, September 14, 2020

ADDIS ABABA, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) — The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has urged the African continent to augment COVID-19 testing capacity so as to effectively contain the spread of the virus across the continent.

The urgent call was made by John Nkengasong, Director of the Africa CDC, as he emphasized if Africa is to effectively tone down the spread of the virus in the near future, the continent needs to boost its testing capabilities.

Testing is the cornerstone of response to this pandemic, without testing we will be fighting blindly. But the testing strategy must shift as countries unlock their economies, an Africa CDC statement issued on late Saturday quoted Nkengasong as saying.

We need to scale up testing and we need to improve the turnaround time for testing so that we can quickly identify, isolate and treat positive cases, the Africa CDC director added.

As of Sunday, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Africa surged to 1,346,658 as the death toll rose to 32,502. The number of people who recovered from their COVID-19 infections also reached 1,083,438 so far, according to the Africa CDC, a specialized healthcare agency of the African Union (AU) Commission.

Amid the rapid spread of the COVID-19 pandemic across Africa, the continental disease control and prevention agency had recently commended the progress in the development of COVID-19 vaccine across Africa.

Speaking exclusive to Xinhua recently, Nkengasong said the African continent is very active in the vaccine space because we know that it is one of the tools and instruments that are going to actually be determinant in terms of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

In terms of vaccine development, Africa is not just sitting idle. We are making very good progress. We are now developing a continental strategy for vaccine, a framework that will guide vaccine development and access efforts in Africa, Nkengasong told Xinhua.

Noting that the number of COVID-19 testing in Africa is encouraging as more than 11 million people have been tested so far, the director, however, stressed that African countries still need to intensify their testing capabilities.

Nkengasong also emphasized that as a continent Africa needs to conduct about 15 million tests per month to be ahead of the pandemic.

(Xinhua)08:43, September 14, 2020

JERUSALEM, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to leave late on Sunday for the United States, where he is slated to sign historic normalization agreements with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain on Tuesday.

The UAE and Bahrain will become the third and fourth Arab country to ink a peace agreement with Israel, after Egypt in 1979 and Jordan in 1994.

This is a trend that appears to continue and puts the Palestinians in a very difficult position, said Nimrod Goren, head of the Israeli Institute for Regional Foreign Policies. If Saudi Arabia advances toward peace with Israel, then we will know that we are heading for a major change.

This was a way to portray that the normalization with Israel was not really going against the Palestinians but actually preventing something that would have been decimation for them, noted Joshua Teitelbaum, a professor in Department of Middle Eastern Studies of Bar-Ilan University.

In a statement, Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani said the agreement with Israel will promote security and stability in the region, ensure the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and achieve sustainable peace.

Still, the announced peace agreements are a major setback for the Palestinians who have always relied on Arab support in confronting the Israelis, especially since the last round of Israeli-Palestinian negotiations broke down in 2014.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has alluded to the possibility that other countries may soon announce peace agreements with Israel, probably at the time of Tuesdays signing ceremony in Washington.

For the Gulf countries, they want to benefit from Israel being at the forefront of hi-tech … They have to diversify their economic base and Israel can help them, said Teitelbaum.

Relations with the Gulf states are not a replacement for peace with Palestinians, but they can be used to promote the process, Goren noted.

(Xinhua)08:44, September 14, 2020

LONDON, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) — John Major and Tony Blair, two former British prime ministers, have teamed up to accuse the current Prime Minister Boris Johnson of shaming Britain by proposing legislation which undermines his own Brexit deal, local media reported Sunday.

The two former prime ministers, who unsuccessfully opposed Brexit in the 2016 referendum, claimed in their article carried by the Sunday Times newspaper that Johnsons UK Internal Market Bill will jeopardise peace in Northern Ireland, make it harder to negotiate trade deals and destroy trust in Britain.

Their statements came just one day before the Internal Market Bill, which was published by the British government on Wednesday, is to be debated in the House of Commons (lower house of parliament) on Monday.

The bill overrides key elements of Johnsons Brexit deal with Brussels, despite a senior minister explicitly acknowledging that the plan would breach international law.

It is intended to ensure Northern Ireland can continue to enjoy unfettered access to markets in the rest of Britain, according to the British government.

Major and Blair also urged MPs to reject Johnsons attempt to override parts of the Brexit deal, calling this way of negotiating…is irresponsible, wrong in principle and dangerous in practice.

Johnson is facing mounting criticism over the Internal Market Bill as leaders from across the political spectrum raised grave concerns over breaking the international law and damaging Britains reputation, according to local media.

Leader of the opposition Labour Party, Keir Starmer, accused Johnson of having reigniting old rows by working to flout the Withdrawal Agreement, but pledged Labour support if he addresses substantial concerns.

Meanwhile, senior Conservatives were not backing down on their rebellion against the prime ministers plans despite his warning that the European Union (EU) could carve up our country without the bill.

Tory rebels suggested their numbers were growing and opinions were only hardened by Johnsons increased rhetoric that the EU could impose a trade border in the Irish Sea.

Despite the criticism, British Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove on Friday defended the new bill, saying Britain had made clear during discussions with EU officials on the UK Internal Market Bill that legislative timetable for the bill would continue as planned.

Gove also reiterated the governments commitment to implementing the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement, including the protocol covering Northern Ireland.

(Xinhua)09:22, September 14, 2020

CANBERRA, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) — Australian Health Minister Greg Hunt has said there is genuine cause for hope and optimism that a coronavirus vaccine will be available in the first half of 2021.

Hunt said on Sunday that he was quietly becoming more hopeful and more optimistic about the potential for a vaccine.

His comments came after pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca announced that stage three trials of a candidate vaccine developed by the University of Oxford have resumed.

The Australian government earlier in September announced that it reached a deal with AstraZeneca to secure 33.8 million doses of the vaccine if trials prove successful.

Hunt said on Sunday that pausing trials to assess if an unexplained illness in a trial participant was related to the vaccine was an ordinary part of a safeguards process.

For us, number one is safety that trumps everything, he told Sky News Australia.

So these are very heartening steps for Australia, for Australians and for the road out.

There is genuine cause for hope and optimism for Australians on the path to a vaccine.

Each day Im quietly becoming more hopeful and more optimistic about the prospect for vaccines for Australians in the first half of 2021 with the earliest available in the first quarter of 2021.

As of Sunday afternoon there had been 26,651 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Australia, with an increase of 50 new cases in last 24 hours, and 810 deaths after seven new deaths were reported in Victoria, the hardest-hit state by the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

Of the new cases, Victoria confirmed 41 while New South Wales (NSW) confirmed nine more cases.

Within Victoria, 21 of the new cases are linked to outbreaks or complex cases and 20 are under investigation, said a statement from the Department of Health and Human Services in Victoria on Sunday.

Six of todays seven deaths are linked to known outbreaks in aged care facilities. To date, 723 people have died from coronavirus in Victoria.

(CGTN)10:51, September 14, 2020

A spokesperson for Chinas Permanent Mission to the United Nations (UN) on Thursday accused the U.S. ambassador to the UN of spreading lies to slander China and deliberately create hostility.

Kelly Craft, the U.S. Ambassador to the UN on Thursdays interview with social media, used a hostile tone against China and the Communist Party of China (CPC).

The Chinese spokesperson voiced firm opposition, saying Crafts remarks aims to serve domestic political agenda.

In the interview, Craft maliciously attacked the CPC and claimed to have friendly feelings toward the Chinese people. The Chinese spokesperson called the remarks a reflection of hypocrisy.

Noting the CPC comes from the people and serves the people wholeheartedly, the spokesperson reiterated those attempts pit the CPC against the Chinese people are doomed to fail.

The unreasonable oppression conducted by the United States to China has harmed the interests of all Chinese people, who are extremely indignant about it, the spokesperson added.

The spokesperson advised the U.S. government to focus on fighting COVID-19 and saving American lives rather than preoccupying themselves with political manipulation, deflecting attention and shifting the blame.

Craft in the interview admitted that she was mainly involved in the arrest of Meng Wanzhou when she served as U.S. ambassador to Canada, which the Chinese spokesperson said it shows yet again the case is a serious political incident.

China stands firmly against U.S. suppression of Chinese enterprises including Huawei, the spokesperson said, adding that the U.S. is abusing the concept of national security so as to slander China and unjustifiably oppress certain Chinese companies.

Noting China just launched a global data security initiative to establish global standards on data security, the spokesperson urged the U.S. to make the similar commitment as China does, which will help to enhance mutual trust and cooperation among countries on data security issues.

In respond to Crafts remarks on issues related to Chinas Taiwan, Hong Kong and Xinjiang, the spokesperson reiterated that these affairs are Chinas internal affairs, and no foreign government, organization or individual has the right to interfere.

Craft in the interview also mentioned to make more Americans serve in international organizations, claiming that only in this way can international organizations be more transparent.

The spokesperson pointed out that civil servants in international organizations come from all over the world and they must abide by the articles of association, remain impartial and neutral, and serve the interests of all member states.

It seems from Crafts perspective, international organizations should only serve individual countries, the spokesperson said, adding that Crafts remarks is a great insult to international organizations.

Craft also said the U.S. would carefully analyze all issues on the agenda of the UN Security Council and will not miss every opportunity to create topics, attack and blame China.

Saying Crafts remarks is in line with what U.S. has done in the UN Security Council, the Chinese spokesperson noted the U.S. is abusing the Security Council platform.

For domestic political needs, the U.S. has violated rules and procedures of the Security Council, which has greatly interfered with the work of the UN, poisoned the cooperation atmosphere of the UN Security Council, and aroused the dissatisfaction of the majority of the Member States, the spokesperson said.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the UN. The spokesperson stressed that upholding multilateralism represents a compelling consensus shared by the international community.

The spokesperson added the U.S. related actions has proved that the country is now the biggest destroyer of the contemporary international order and tried to pull the world back to the era of the law of the jungle.

Noting China is a staunch supporter of the UN and will continue to perform its own responsibilities, the spokesperson also said China will work with other countries to uphold and promote multilateralism and maintain the international system with the UN at the core and the international order based on international laws.

(CGTN)10:56, September 14, 2020

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi Tuesday called on international society to resolutely defend multilateralism, safeguard the right direction of human development and progress, and push the cause of the United Nations to a new stage.

Wang made the remarks when attending a high-level symposium to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations via video link.

Over the past 75 years since the founding of the United Nations, the United Nations has made great efforts to promote global development and the cause of human rights and maintain global peace and stability, Wang said, adding that there have been no world wars and some local conflicts have been contained.

It has become the consensus of the vast majority of countries to eliminate differences through dialogue and negotiation and settle disputes through mediation, he said

As UN commemorates its 75th anniversary, Wang put forward five proposals:

First, the world needs to uphold UNs core status in the international system.

Noting the UN is the most universal, representative and authoritative intergovernmental organization, the UN has incomparable advantages and plays an irreplaceable role.

Upholding multilateralism is the only choice in the face of increasingly complex and severe global challenges, he said while calling the UN the flag of multilateralism.

Second, the world needs to adhere to purposes and principles of the UN Charter.

We need to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity and oppose interference in other countries internal affairs, he said, adding that we need to adhere to the peaceful settlement of disputes and oppose to the use or threat of use of force.

He also urged countries to abide by international laws and regulations, fulfill international obligations, and oppose unilateral acts of bullying.

Third, the world needs to adhere to peaceful development, and We should give full play to the important role of the UN and its Security Council in the field of peace keeping.

He called on the world to abandon the Cold-War mentality, promote dialogue and consultation, and seek political solutions and underlined the need for the UN to take leadership on implementing of the 2030 Agenda and addressing climate change.

He added more efforts should be made to support developing countries to achieve the goal of poverty alleviation amid the pandemic.

Fourth, the world needs to stick to win-win cooperation and the UN should be democratic, effective and inclusive.

The UN should become a big stage for all countries; advocate the principle that all countries, big or small, are equal so that different civilizations can exchange learnings and countries with different systems can work hand in hand.

Wang stressed the UN should neither be an arena for international conflicts nor for big power to play zero sum games.

Fifth, building a community with a shared future for mankind. All parties need to establish a sense of community, to keep watch and help each other, and work together to cope with various risks and challenges.

We should build a global partnership at the international and regional levels to jointly build a world of lasting peace, universal security, common prosperity, openness and inclusiveness, as well as cleanliness and beauty, he said.

Under the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the world must opt for unity, not division, for cooperation, not confrontation; for sharing responsibility, not blaming others.

The COVID-19 will not change the theme of the times, which remains peace and development, he said, adding the prevailing trend of win-win cooperation will not be reversed and the trend of historical progress cannot be stopped.

The Chinese foreign minister stressed that as the largest developing country and permanent member of the Security Council, China is actively practicing the lofty ideals of the UN and constantly promoting the great cause of peace and development of mankind.

China is a constructor of world peace, a contributor to global development, a defender of the international order and a provider of public goods, Wang noted, and reiterated Chinas commitments to opening to the world and undertaking its due international responsibilities and obligations.

Wang recalled that five years ago, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced a series of major initiatives in support of the UN cause at the UN 70th anniversary summit.

Over the last few years, China has implemented these initiatives in various fields, including the UN peacekeeping, counter-terrorism, energy, agriculture, infrastructure, education, injected momentum into global sustainable development, and contributed to womens cause.

China is willing to join hands with all parties to uphold and promote multilateralism, jointly push the UN to start all over again with brand new appearance, and forge ahead bravely towards the great goal of building a community with a shared future for mankind, Wang said.

By ZamirAhmedAwan (Peoples Daily Online)15:21, September 02, 2020

It is absolutely right for President Donald Trump to say, “AMERICA FIRST.” No one has any objection. He is the American President, and he should make American interests his priority. This is natural, and all international leaders should follow suit. It is equally right for the French President to say, “FRANCE FIRST,” or the Italian Prime Minister to say, “ITALY FIRST,” or the Russian President to say, “Russia FIRST.”

Where is the problem? What is the problem? How is this wrong? When you undermine other countries or protect your interests at the cost of others, this is not acceptable. Every country should struggle hard to develop its economy, eradicate poverty, emphasize the welfare of ordinary people – but without harming other countries.

The last four decades have seen strong cooperation between the US and China, two great nations. As long as both were cooperating, both benefited each other. China gained a lot from American development, experience, technology, and advances, and Americans have also benefited from Chinese raw material, low labor costs, low manufacturing costs and a huge market.

There is no need to debate which side received more or fewer benefits, as both benefited each other. The cooperation between China and the US has also benefited the rest of the world, with both major powers contributing to the global economy and security.

The last few years have seen a different phenomenon, with the US confronting China. Initially, the commonly used terminology was “Contain China” and “Resist China’s Rise,” but this changed to “Counter China.” The latest trend has been “China Threat”, “CPC Threat” and the like. The intensity of hostility is increasing, and the language used is getting worse.

Unfortunately, it is the US that has initiated this conflict and unilaterally increased its intensity. The US is also trying to build an anti-China alliance, and Secretary of State Pompeo has been extraordinarily active to this end. He has been in touch with various foreign ministers around the globe, trying to convince them to join his anti-China alliance. His visited four European nations in mid-August, moving one step forward in his efforts to lobby for an anti-China alliance. However, instead of convincing European countries, he has created a divide among them. His efforts went against his expectations and proved counter-productive.

Similarly, his recent tour to the Middle East carried the agenda of seeking the Arab world’s support against China. Significantly, the US wanted the oil-rich Gulf countries to stand with America against China. Again, he failed to convince them, and instead created differences among the Arab world, adversely affecting Arab unity.

The US is aggressively promoting anti-China sentiment and using all tools, platforms, and opportunities at its disposal to spread anti-China propaganda. Even under the life-threatening challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the US is paying less attention to this crisis and focusing more on its anti-China agenda.

In contrast, China is working hard to save the lives of the common man at home and around the world. China has focused on fighting the menace of poverty and has already lifted around 800 million people out of it, an unprecedented achievement in the history of humankind. China is paying more attention to economic development within China as well as around the globe under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). China is promoting understanding and harmony among various cultures and nations, ultimately contributing toward global peace and security.

I have traveled to China extensively and have not come across any anti-America sentiments. The general public is either pro-America or neutral, but seldom against it. The Chinese government reciprocates American actions but in a very precise manner and very politely. China is not an aggressive nation and is not responding in the same style, language, and tone that America is using.

Those who have experienced traveling to China can see how friendly, peaceful and rational the Chinese are. It is easy to judge who is wrong or right.

The opinions expressed in this article belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to Peoples Daily Online.

Zamir Ahmed Awan is a senior fellow with the Center for China and Globalization (CCG) and a sinologist at the National University of Sciences and Technology in Pakistan. E-mail: awanzamir@yahoo.com

(Peoples Daily Online)10:18, September 04, 2020

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi paid an official visit to Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, France and Germany from Aug 25 to Sept 1. This European trip is the first overseas tour made by a Chinese foreign minister since the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak, which fully reflects the importance both sides attach to China-EU relations and indicates that China-EU relations have restarted in the post-pandemic era.

During the eight-day visit, Wang held in-depth talks with leaders and foreign ministers of the five countries, achieving the expected goal of reaching a consensus between Chinese and EU leaders and deepening cooperation with the European side.

At a press conference on the last leg of the visit in Germany, which holds the rotating EU presidency, Wang specifically mentioned three points with regard to the broad consensus reached between China and the EU: first, to adhere to multilateralism and resist unilateralism; second, to strengthen unity and cooperation and oppose 鈥渄ecoupling鈥? third, to safeguard the overall situation of China-EU relations and properly manage differences.

These three major consensus have defined the direction, laid the foundation and accumulated momentum for China-EU relations, maintaining global peace and stability through China-EU cooperation, promoting global development and prosperity, adhering to multilateralism, and improving global governance.

First of all, China and the EU have always been devoted defenders, supporters and practitioners of multilateralism and have made positive contributions to world peace, stability and prosperity.

Nowadays China and the EU have a greater responsibility to defend multilateralism. More than an abstract slogan, defending multilateralism contains very specific connotations, including upholding multilateral concepts, taking multilateral actions, abiding by multilateral agreements, and strengthening multilateral institutions. It is inevitable for China and the EU to jointly defend multilateralism.

Second, in the context of increasing global challenges, both China and the EU recognize the need to further strengthen unity and cooperation. At present, the first and foremost thing is to strengthen global unity in the fight against the COVID-19.

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, China and the EU have supported each other, demonstrating the friendship between good partners and true friends. Furthermore, how to ensure the normal operation of the global industrial chain and supply chain is a common challenge for all countries in the world.

Both China and the EU are clearly opposed to 鈥渄ecoupling鈥? as it will drag the world economy into a deeper recession. To this end, China and the EU have indicated that they will take practical actions to contribute to the stability of the global industrial chain and supply chain.

Wang also particularly stressed that in China鈥檇ual circulation, which takes the domestic market as the mainstay while letting domestic and foreign markets boost each other, China will continue to make more efforts in opening up, which will provide greater market opportunities for European countries in the post-pandemic recovery.

Finally, the Chinese side has repeatedly stressed that China and the EU are partners, not opponents, and cooperation far outweighs differences. While there will inevitably be different views on some issues, the deeper the partnership, the wider the scope of cooperation.

However, the secret to good partners and true friends lies in frank communication with each other, along with managing differences and not letting them interfere with the overall cooperation between the two sides.

At present, some countries are hyping up the idea of a new Cold War, to which China and Europe have expressed clear opposition. China supports Europes pursuit of strategic autonomy, which should also be reflected in making independent choices without being persuaded by certain countries.

During Wangs visit to Europe, China and the EU reiterated that they will strive to complete the negotiations on the China-EU bilateral investment agreement within this year and will work to launch a joint feasibility study on the China-EU free trade agreement as soon as possible.

In addition, China and the EU have made it clear that they will strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation in areas of common concern, such as climate change, green development, digital economy, medicine and health.

Moreover, China and the EU will also conclude the China-EU 2025 Strategic Agenda for Cooperation, which provides a blueprint and framework for China-EU dialogue and cooperation.

China and the EU have taken the lead in pressing the button to restart various political, economic and trade agendas. As two major forces, markets and civilizations in the world, the cooperation between China and the EU will bring more certainty to the uncertain world and make an important contribution to the post COVID-19 recovery of the world economy.

By MdEnamulHassan (Peoples Daily Online)13:40, September 04, 2020

The island of Taiwan has historically been an inalienable part of China. Throughout recorded history, Taiwan has never been a sovereign state. The island is referred to as Taiwan Province in the constitution of the Peoples Republic of China. As the preceding republic, China has inherently owned the province in accordance with its pre-1949 boundaries.

In line with the provisions of international law and regulations, the Chinese claim over Taiwan is bonafide and legitimate. The world has also recognized the island as being an inseparable part of China. The United Nations (UN) has adopted a resolution to accept the legitimate claim of China over Taiwan.

Photo taken on July 21, 2019 from Xiangshan Mountain shows the Taipei 101 skyscraper in Taipei, southeast Chinas Taiwan. (Xinhua/Zhu Xiang)

On October 25, 1971, the 26th session of the UN General Assembly passed Resolution No. 2758. The resolution announced in clear and definitive language that Taiwan is part of the Peoples Republic of China. The UN General Assembly recognizes that the representative of the Government of the Peoples Republic of China is the sole legal representative of China in the United Nations and that the Peoples Republic of China is one of the permanent members of the UN Security Council, and decided to restore all rights to the Peoples Republic of China and recognize the representatives of its government as the sole legal representatives of China in the United Nations Organization.

On July 23, 2007, then secretary-general of the UN Ban Ki-moon rejected Taiwans membership bid to join the UN under the name of Taiwan, citing Resolution 2758 as acknowledging that Taiwan is part of China. The UN is an international organization composed of sovereign states. Taiwan, as a province of China, is completely unqualified and has no right to participate in the global body.

Alongside the UN resolution, the United States, in three Joint US-China Communiqu茅s, has also acknowledged that all Chinese on either side of the Taiwan Strait maintain there is but one China and that Taiwan is a part of China. The US government attaches great importance to its relations with China and reiterates that it has no intention of infringing on Chinese sovereignty and territorial integrity, or interfering in Chinas internal affairs, or pursuing a policy of two Chinas or one China, one Taiwan鈥?

However, successive US administrations have continued to maintain informal and unofficial relations with the Taiwan authorities, going against their own word given to China, because the US wants to use the Taiwan authorities to contain China鈥檚 rise. Under the superpower鈥檚 auspices, the authorities have also kept up their diplomatic efforts to gain recognition as a sovereign territory from different countries. They are even trying to cash in on the pandemic to get into some international organizations and agencies.

In a counter move, China seems to have taken the Taiwan issue as the bottom line of its diplomacy, as China has no option of compromising on the issue of its territorial integrity and sovereignty. China, therefore, builds cooperation with countries on the basis of the understanding of the bottom line – the Taiwan issue.

As a result, every friend and partner of China has always remained very cautious and sincere when it comes to dealing with Taiwan, always respecting this bottom line of Chinese diplomacy. However, a few countries have tried to put one foot in both camps, in the past maintaining deep relations with China and simultaneously colluding with Taiwan. These two-faced countries have eventually failed to remain in the good books of China, let alone become its true and trusted friends.

Under changing global circumstances, Taiwan has become the litmus test for becoming a true and sincere friend of China over the years. Even the ranges of partnership with China widely vary from country to country depending on this test. Global circumstances have left China with no option but to make Taiwan a more serious issue when it comes to building and forging ahead in cooperating with any country from any region on the planet.

Under the prudent leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh has elevated its relations with China to a strategic cooperative partnership. The people of Bangladesh expect to reap the highest dividends of these elevated ties with China.

The author is the China Correspondent of the Bangladesh Post.

(Xinhua)11:18, September 04, 2020

WASHINGTON, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) — Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden on Thursday met with the family of Jacob Blake, an African American shot seven times in the back by police in Kenosha, midwestern state Wisconsin.

Biden went there two days after President Donald Trump spread law and order message in his visit to the city wracked by week-long violent protests over the incident.

Upon arrival in Kenosha, Biden and his wife Jill Biden huddled in private in a nearby building with Blakes father, brother, two sisters and members of Blakes legal team, said a report of The Hill.

Blake and his mother called into the meeting for about 15 minutes from the hospital. Blake is recovering but partially paralyzed.

He (Blake) talked about how nothing was going to defeat him, how whether he walked again or not he was not going to give up, Biden told an audience of about 20 socially distanced local activists and business leaders later.

Biden, wearing a mask, heard from a white business owner who said her store had been destroyed by rioters and a Black attorney who pleaded with him to address criminal justice reform.

The underlying racism that is institutionalized in the United States that still exists and has for 400 years. So we end up with a circumstance like we have here in Kenosha, said Biden.

The former vice president blamed Trump for inflaming racial tensions in the country, saying the presidents law-and-order message was not breaking through to voters.

Kenosha has been ravaged by anti-police and anti-American riots, Trump said during his trip to Kenosha on Tuesday. The president did not meet with the Blake family, since they requested their lawyers be involved, which Trump said was inappropriate.

Kenosha became a new epicenter of anti-racisim protests and riots in late August after African American George Floyd died on May 25 in police custody in Minneapolis, Minnesota, which sparked nationwide demonstrations against what activists have described as police brutality and systemic racial inequality, as well as social unrest in a number of U.S. cities.

Biden has made race relations a pillar of his White House run in response to the movement, while Trump has focused on violent aspects of the demonstrations and doubled down on his support for police officers.

On Monday, Biden strongly dismissed Trumps accusations that the Democratic nominee is anti-law enforcement or condones violence in cities including Kenosha and Portland, Oregon.

Rioting is not protesting. Looting is not protesting. Setting fires is not protesting. None of this is protesting. Its lawlessness, plain and simple, said Biden in a statement.

And those who do it should be prosecuted. Violence will not bring change. It will only bring destruction. Its wrong in every way, he added.

Wisconsin is a critical battleground state in Novembers election after Trump carried it by roughly 23,000 votes in 2016.