China denies WHO plan to study the origin of COVID-19

China denies WHO plan to study the origin of COVID-19

Last Thursday China rejected a World Health Organization’s (WHO) plan for the second phase of a study on the origin of the corona virus. The reason for this is the assumption that Chinese laboratories violated proper protocols caused the virus to leak during research is listed in the WHO plan. China has repeatedly tried to avoid accusations that the epidemic began in Wuhan.

China’s position here is that some data may not be fully shared due to privacy. “We hope that the origin of the COVID-19 virus will be considered as a scientific fact and that political interference will be avoided,” it said. They also said China opposes the politicization of the study.

White House Press Secretary Jen Zaki said on Thursday that the Biden administration was “deeply disappointed” by China’s decision. “Their position is irresponsible and dangerous,” he said. The United States has accused China of failing to provide transparency in the early days of the epidemic.

The head of the World Health Organization said in July that China was obstructing investigations into the origins of the COVID-19 epidemic. The search for the virus’ origins has now become a diplomatic issue that has damaged China’s diplomatic affairs with the United States and its allies.

The first reported COVID-19 infected patient was reported in December 2019 in Wuhan, a central Chinese city. Experts from the World Health Organization (WHO) are still debating over the origin of the virus.

Many experts do not think a laboratory leak is the cause of COVID-19. The question is whether it can be abandoned or whether it is suitable for further study. Earlier this year, a group of international scientists who visited Wuhan for joint research with China were accused of bowing to Chinese demands after being told that no further study was needed on the matter.
World Health Organization joint experts do not believe in the idea of a laboratory leak. Instead, the virus is believed to have been transmitted to humans by animals sold for food at a city market. It is therefore recommended to study further about the markets where live animals are sold in Wuhan and the farms that supply animals to the market. They are also seeking the assistance of the authorities to inspect laboratories and markets in Wuhan.
China has largely controlled the transmission of COVID through lockdowns and face masks, and has so far delivered more than 1.4 billion Chinese vaccines. Only 12 new cases spread locally were reported last Thursday, and the death toll from the virus in China has remained unchanged for four months.

 

World News