China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Zhao Lijian said Washington has been trying to shift blame for the Trump administration's own mishandling of the coronavirus outbreak by smearing Beijing's COVID-19 response. 

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian attends a news conference in Beijing, China April 8, 2020. (Photo from CGTN)

Zhao made the remarks at a daily press briefing on Tuesday in response to U.S. President Trump's letter threatening to halt funding to the World Health Organization (WHO).

He said the U.S. miscalculated by trying to use China to avoid its own responsibility.

Zhao urged a few U.S. politicians to take on their responsibilities and step up cooperation with the international community in fighting the coronavirus.