In a move that has captured global attention, China's National Health Commission (NHC) has formally rejected key findings from the WHO Scientific Advisory Group for the Origins of Novel Pathogens (SAGO) report on SARS-CoV-2 origins.
On June 27, SAGO published its independent assessment into the origins of COVID-19. However, the NHC stated that the report fails to uncover new evidence and does not challenge the conclusions of the Joint WHO-China Study released in March 2021.
The NHC criticized the report for relying on subjective speculation and including false information, saying it undermines scientific soundness and credibility while imposing groundless demands on China. The commission also insisted that the report lacks acceptance from the global scientific community.
Highlighting its commitment to transparency, the NHC pointed to its April 30 report Covid-19 Prevention, Control and Origins Tracing: China's Actions and Stance, which fully documents the data and information shared by the Chinese mainland on its origins tracing studies.
As debates over the pandemic's beginnings continue, this public rebuff raises questions about international collaboration on pathogen research and the balance between politics and science. Observers say the next steps will be critical in maintaining trust and steering future investigations.
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China's NHC denies part of WHO panel's assessment on COVID-19 origins
cgtn.com
