BEIJING, March 8 (Xinhua) -- Chinese foreign ministry on Tuesday called on the United States to release all-around details of its biological laboratories in Ukraine, and urged relevant parties to ensure their safety.
Recent media reports said those biological laboratories store large quantities of dangerous viruses, and Russia has found in the course of military operations that the United States uses those facilities for biological military programs.
Spokesperson Zhao Lijian said at a daily press briefing that for the health and safety of people in Ukraine, surrounding areas and the whole world, all parties concerned should ensure the safety of those laboratories.
"In particular, the United States, as the party that knows the laboratories best, should release relevant specific information as soon as possible, including what viruses are stored and the research that has been carried out," Zhao said.
The U.S. bio-military activities in Ukraine are only "the tip of the iceberg," Zhao said. Under various names, the U.S. Department of Defense controls 336 biological laboratories in 30 countries.
"What is the real intention of the United States? What exactly has it done? These have always been the source of misgivings for the international community," Zhao said.
Moreover, only the United States has for 20 years blocked the building of the Biological Weapons Convention verification protocol, and refused to accept inspections of biological facilities within and outside its borders, further aggravating the concerns of the international community, the spokesperson said.
"We once again urge the U.S. side to fully clarify its biological military activities both at home and abroad, and accept multilateral verifications," Zhao said.
Jon Wysocki dead at 53: Staind drummer passes away
Text of the policy statement the Federal Reserve released Wednesday
Tennis legend Boris Becker discharged from bankruptcy court in England
Paul Auster, prolific and experimental man of letters and filmmaker, dies at 77
Liverpool confirms Arne Slot as Jurgen Klopp's replacement
Arizona's Democratic leaders make final push to repeal 19th century abortion ban
Nonstop Mideast coverage of Israel
Less alcohol, or none at all, is one path to better health
Russian theater director and playwright go on trial over a play authorities say justifies terrorism
Hurricanes' depth proves critical to secure 2nd
Jon Wysocki dead at 53: Staind drummer passes away
Birkin bags worth up to $100,000 become the number one target for burglars in LA