律 师 函

2020年3月23日

To:President DonaldTrump

White House, the United States of America

Date: March 23, 2020

Letter  of  Attorney

Our law firm (Beijing Gaotong Law Firm) noticed that on March 16th, you tweeted that the novel coronavirus spreading around the world is "Chinese virus", and repeated this incorrect title at the press conference held at the White House on March 19th.  As Chinese citizens and practicing lawyers in China, we solemnly send a letter to you, President of USA regarding the extremely wrong words.

 On February 11, 2020, the World Health Organization has announced that the new coronavirus-infected pneumonia was officially named "COVID-19", expressing its opposition to associating the virus with specific countries and regions, races and even against stigma. As WHO is the specialized agency of the United Nations and the authoritative public health agency worldwide, "COVID-19" named by it must be observed by all member states, including the USA.

The origin of the novel coronavirus is a very serious scientific and technical problem, which needs to be identified by scientists through traceability. On the premise that the origin of the novel coronavirus has not been determined although it was first discovered in Wuhan, China, Mr. President has publicly referred to it as "Chinese virus" on many occasions, which in fact stigmatizes China. The Chinese people have expressed strong indignation and firm opposition against it. Mr. President s wrong designation of the novel coronavirus has already caused serious adverse consequences in the international community. Alleged racial discrimination has led to unfair treatment and even discrimination and attacks against overseas Chinese or even Asian Americans in the United States and other countries.

Since January this year, thanks to the joint efforts and great sacrifice of the Chinese government and people all over the country, the spread of COVID-19 has been effectively controlled in China, which has strengthened confidence and set a good example for the global community to completely overcome the virus. Your wrong statement has seriously infringed upon the right of reputation of the Chinese people.

In view of the above facts, and in accordance with the provisions of Articles 110 and Article 179 of the General Provisions of the Civil Law of the People s Republic of China, our law firm hereby formally requests you to: (1) Please correct your erroneous remarks and immediately stop using the term "Chinese virus"; (2) Immediately apologize to 1.4 billion Chinese people for your wrong remarks; (3) Immediately eliminate discrimination and attacks against overseas Chinese in the United States caused by your erroneous remarks. Otherwise, we reserve the right to file a lawsuit in the court according to law, so as to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests and dignity of Chinese citizens.

Hereby inform you by this letter of attorney!

Beijing Gaotong Law Firm