U.S. government debt prices were higher Monday morning as Washington ramped up its criticism of China over the origin of the coronavirus pandemic.
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Sunday stepped up the administration's claims that China intentionally concealed the severity of the outbreak in its infancy, while suggesting that there was "a significant amount of evidence" of the coronavirus originating in a Wuhan lab. However, he did not contest scientists' conclusions that it was not man-made.
The comments came after President Donald Trump indicated that the initial trade deal signed between Washington and Beijing in January was now of secondary importance following China's role in allowing the outbreak to spread. The escalating tensions between the world's two largest economies has offset cautious optimism over the gradual reopening of economies following weeks of shutdowns around the world, as the rate of new cases and fatalities slows in Europe and the U.S.
Cases in the U.S. have now topped 1.15 million, resulting in more than 247,000 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University.Auctions will be held Monday for $61 billion of 13-week Treasury bills, $50 billion of 26-week bills and $30 billion of 105-day bills.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Coronavirus live updates: US intel believes China hid severity of epidemic while stockpiling suppliesCORONAVIRUS LATEST: —U.S. intel believes China hid severity of epidemic while stockpiling supplies —20% of Florida deaths over last 5 days —Tyson Foods plant set to reopen next week
Read more »
'Once Upon a Virus': China mocks U.S. coronavirus response in Lego-like animationChina has published a short animation titled 'Once Upon a Virus' mocking the U.S. response to the new coronavirus using Lego-like figures to represent the two countries.
Read more »
China mocks US coronavirus response in Lego-like animationIn the animation posted online by China's official Xinhua news agency, red curtains open to reveal a stage featuring Lego-like figures in the form of a terracotta warrior wearing a face mask and the Statue of Liberty.
Read more »
Dollar firm but stocks, oil under pressure as U.S.-China tensions riseThe dollar rose, oil fell and stock markets were poised to slip on Monday as rising U.S.-China tensions over the coronavirus - and growing unease at the gulf between asset prices and grim economic reality - turned investors cautious.
Read more »
US government report assesses China intentionally concealed severity of coronavirusThe Chinese government intentionally concealed the severity of the coronavirus from the international community while it stockpiled imports and decreased exports, a Department of Homeland Security report found, according to an administration official familiar with the report.
Read more »
Dollar edges up, Asian stocks slip as U.S.-China tensions flareThe dollar inched higher, stock markets struggled for traction and oil fell on Monday as a U.S.-China spat over the origin of the coronavirus put the brakes on optimism about an economic re-start as countries around the world ease restrictions.
Read more »