U.N. chief laments lack of global leadership in coronavirus fight

UNITED NATIONS - United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday lamented a lack of leadership by world powers and a divided international community in the fight against the coronavirus as he raised concern about inadequate support for poor countries.

Guterres' remarks come after U.S. President Donald Trump reignited his war of words with China during an interview with Reuters on Wednesday. Trump said he believes China's handling of the pandemic is proof that Beijing "will do anything they can" to make him lose his re-election bid in November.

The new coronavirus, which causes the respiratory illness COVID-19, has so far infected some 3.2 million globally and more than 227,000 people have died, according to a Reuters tally. The virus first emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan late last year.

In response to questions about global leadership, Guterres told a news conference that the international community was divided when it was "more important than ever" to be united.

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