After the Indian Council of Medical Research asked the states to stop using the rapid antibody COVID-19 testing kits procured from China due to "wide variation", China retorted on Tuesday saying it was "unfair and irresponsible" to label Chinese products as "faulty" and look at issues with preemptive prejudice.
"China not only sincerely supports India in its fight against Covid-19, but also takes concrete actions to help. It is unfair and irresponsible for certain individuals to label Chinese products as 'faulty' and look at issues with preemptive prejudice," said Spokesperson of Chinese Embassy in India Counselor Ji Rong in a statement.
India procured around five lakh rapid antibody test kits from the two Chinese firms, Guongzhou Wondfo Biotech and Livzon Diagnostics, and they were distributed to several states reporting rising cases of the coronavirus infection.
The ICMR's directive to states and UTs to not use the kits came in the midst of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's allegations that some people were indulging in profiteering from the immeasurable suffering of millions. He urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene and take immediate strict action against the wrong-doers.
Ji Rong further said that regarding the current issue occurred, "we hope the Indian side could respect China’s goodwill and sincerity, strengthen communication timely with relevant Chinese companies based on facts, and resolve it reasonably and properly."
He stressed on Indo-China cooperation and said that viruses are common enemy of mankind. "Only by working together, can we win this battle against the epidemic."
ICMR had provided rapid antibody test kits to states with clear instructions that they are to be used only for surveillance purposes.
"States are advised to stop using these kits procured from the two companies (Guangzhou Wondfo Biotech and Zhuhai Livzon Diagnostics kits) and return them to be sent back to the suppliers," said the ICMR on Monday.
