US National Security Advisor: "COVID-19 Will Be Remembered as China's Chernobyl"

US National Security Advisor Points Out in Broadcast Interview
Predicts Possible Collapse of Hong Kong's Financial Hub Role
G7 Summit Likely to Be Held at the End of June

Tear gas fired by police at Hong Kong citizens opposing China's push for the Hong Kong National Security Law on the 24th is flying through the air.
[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] Robert O'Brien, the U.S. White House National Security Advisor, stated on the 24th (local time) that if China enacts the 'Hong Kong National Security Law,' U.S. sanctions against China will be imposed, potentially threatening Hong Kong's status as a financial hub. He also mentioned that a G7 summit is expected to be held in the U.S. around the end of June.

In an interview with NBC and CBS on the same day, Advisor O'Brien strongly criticized China's legislative push for the Hong Kong National Security Law. He said, "They (China) seem to be using this national security law to basically take control of Hong Kong," adding, "If China takes control, it is uncertain whether Hong Kong can remain Asia's financial center."

He warned that the enactment of the Hong Kong Security Law would lead to the outflow of international capital invested in Hong Kong as well as a brain drain, stating, "It will be a substantial blow to President Xi Jinping and the Chinese Communist Party." He also said that the enactment of the Hong Kong Security Law "would be a big mistake."

Particularly regarding China's response to COVID-19, Advisor O'Brien said, "Their cover-up of the virus will be recorded in history alongside Chernobyl," and added, "We will be watching an HBO special about this in about 10 to 15 years."

When asked if he believed the entire Chinese government was responsible for the cover-up, he replied, "I don't know," but emphasized, "Whether it is local officials or the Chinese Communist Party does not matter. This is a cover-up. We will eventually uncover the truth."

When asked if the U.S. would be able to use a COVID-19 vaccine developed by China, he drew a line by saying, "We will develop a vaccine first," then referred to reports that hackers linked to China are attempting to steal U.S. COVID-19 research information. Advisor O'Brien added, "They have a long history of stealing U.S. intellectual property. I would not be surprised if they do the same with the vaccine."

Regarding the possibility of holding the G7 summit, he said that the leaders would want to meet in person to plan the post-COVID-19 world, adding, "(The invitation) is receiving a tremendous response," suggesting the possibility of a late June meeting.

Earlier, President Trump stated on the 20th that he was considering holding the G7 summit, which was planned to be held virtually due to COVID-19, in person in the U.S. as originally scheduled.