China ‘in close communication’ with WHO on Covid-19 origins mission

Foreign ministry says arrangements are still being discussed for team of international scientists to visit the country

Global health body chief said he was ‘very disappointed’ after members found out at the last minute they had not yet been granted entry

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A child gets tested in Dalian, northeast China, in December. A WHO team has not yet been granted entry to the country to investigate the origins of Covid-19. Photo: AFP

Published: 8:41pm, 6 Jan 2021Updated: 11:25pm, 6 Jan 2021

Beijing says it is communicating with the World Health Organization on arrangements for its team to visit China to investigate the origins of Covid-19, after the scientists learned at the last minute that they had not yet been granted entry.

Foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying on Wednesday said details were still being discussed.

“It’s not just a visa issue. Both sides are in close communication on the specific dates and arrangements for the WHO mission’s visit to China,” Hua said in Beijing.

“We understand the concerns of the WHO and that the quest for the origins of Covid-19 is very complicated. To make sure the team has a smooth visit, we need to make the relevant arrangements,” she said. “We certainly hope we can confirm the details as soon as possible and push forward our cooperation.”

Hua dismissed concerns about whether the WHO mission would proceed.

“I understand that there may be some misunderstanding but I believe there is no need to read too much into this [delay],” she said. “[Our] cooperation has been very smooth and pleasant, and I believe [we will] actively continue our cooperation.”