SHANGHAI — American front-line medical personnel are running desperately short of masks and protective equipment as they battle the coronavirus outbreak. Increasingly acrimonious relations between Washington and Beijing are complicating efforts to get Chinese-made masks to American clinics and hospitals. At heart, the two countries, which only recently reached a truce in President Trump’s trade war, have some similar problems. Washington and Beijing make handy foils for each other — and essential protective gear could get caught in the middle unless they reach an understanding. The Trump administration is signaling it isn’t too proud to buy Chinese masks, gowns, goggles and other equipment.

Source: International New York Times March 23, 2020 09:00 UTC