China, Russia Exploit CCP Virus Pandemic to Advance Interests in Italy: Defense Secretary

China, Russia Exploit CCP Virus Pandemic to Advance Interests in Italy: Defense Secretary
Secretary of Defense Mark Esper speaks as President Donald Trump listens during the daily White House coronavirus press briefing in Washington, on April 1, 2020. Win McNamee/Getty Images
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Defense Secretary Mark Esper told Italian newspaper La Stampa in an interview on May 4 that Russia and China are using humanitarian assistance provided to Italy to advance their own interests.

“Russia provided medical assistance to Italy but then attempted to use that assistance to drive a wedge between Italy and its allies with a disinformation campaign,” Esper said.