The pandemic exposed the international political tensions arising from China’s economic ascension and the dispute over more efficient governance models adapted to contemporary demands and challenges.One declaration given by an international authority figure brought this debate to the forefront of one of the greatest pandemics in the history of humanity:the director-general of the World Health Organization(WHO),Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus,speaking about the measures taken by the Chinese government to contain the epidemic of COVID-19,stated that the Chinese president had shown the type of political leadership that is expected from countries facing a public health crisis of such magnitude.And,while highlighting China’s commitment to multilateralism and peace,he also said:“In fact,they(the Chinese)are protecting the rest of the world.”Trump’s reaction was soon to come and,in its wake,that of the new Brazilian extreme right-wing movement.