At the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva, China called on the United States to end the politicization of COVID-19 origins tracing and to stop putting pressure on international organizations.
The spokesperson for the Chinese Mission to the United Nations Office at Geneva responded to remarks by the U.S. delegation, pointing out that it is “astonishing” for a country that once announced its withdrawal from the World Health Organization to now attack nations that have consistently supported it.
According to the statement, China shared the virus’s genetic sequence with the global community at the earliest opportunity and provided medical supplies and financial assistance to the WHO and 153 countries, including the United States. “China has always offered selfless support, instead of so-called undue influence,” the spokesperson said.
China backs scientific origins tracing led by the WHO and has invited expert teams to the country several times. These joint studies resulted in the conclusion that a lab leak of COVID-19 is “extremely unlikely,” underscoring China’s commitment to openness and transparency.
Highlighting what it called “disgraceful” political manipulation of pandemic issues by some nations, the spokesperson urged the United States to share its early case data with the WHO and to be transparent about Fort Detrick and its network of overseas biological laboratories.
“Such political manipulation of pandemic issues is doomed to fail,” the statement read, calling on all members of the international community to prioritize science over politics for the common good of humanity.
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China urges U.S. to stop politicizing COVID-19 origins tracing
cgtn.com
