China rebutted U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's untrue accusation, stating that China does not need to gain anything by lying or hiding information of the COVID-19 pandemic. Safeguarding people's life and health is its upmost wish, it said.

The remarks, made by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying on Wednesday, came after Pompeo accused China of spreading disinformation, saying Beijing's expulsion of journalist aims to cover up the real situation. 

Hua rejected claim, pointing out the conspiracy and lie made by Pompeo was inconsistent with the message delivered by leaders of the two countries in their phone call. China always attaches importance to the personal security and health of its people, Hua reiterated.

Stressing the action is a countermeasure to U.S.'s expulsion of 60 Chinese journalists in the U.S., Hua hit back by noting that China's active share of information and participation of international cooperation have been well recognized by all the world leaders except Pompeo.

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There are currently over 500 international journalists in China, said Hua, suggesting the absence of a few American journalists does not hinder the world from learning about China.

China always prioritizes the safety and health of its people, Hua stated, adding that its offering of assistance at its capacity is based on humanitarian spirit and its commitment as a responsible major country.

China has no intention to compete with other countries, said Hua, referring to Pompeo's boast of international donation made by the U.S starting from 1948.

She said that China is glad to see the U.S., as the largest economy and the most developed country, to provide assistance to other countries, hoping that the trend will continue despite questioning why Pompeo traced U.S. assistance back to 1948.

When asked response to U.S. rejection of KN95 masks, an alternative to the scarce N95 mask, the spokesperson said that she has no knowledge of the information, but acknowledged the existence of different standards that lie between China and other countries.

"This should not become the obstacles for international cooperation on the containment of COVID-19 pandemic," said Hua.

(Cover: Members of medical assistance teams attend a ceremony in north China's Tianjin, March 31, 2020. /Xinhua)