China has urged the United States to cease politicizing the search for COVID-19's origins, emphasizing scientific collaboration over geopolitical maneuvering during the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva. A spokesperson for the Chinese Mission to the UN Office at Geneva criticized recent U.S. remarks as 'groundless,' highlighting Washington's contradictory stance after previously withdrawing from the World Health Organization (WHO).
'The U.S. has lost its basic sense of right and wrong,' the spokesperson stated, noting China's consistent support for WHO initiatives. Since the pandemic's onset, China shared virus data early, provided medical aid to 153 countries, and hosted three WHO expert teams – efforts that led to the conclusion that a lab leak was 'extremely unlikely.'
The remarks come amid renewed global scrutiny of pandemic origins, with China calling for transparency regarding U.S.-linked facilities like Fort Detrick. 'Political manipulation of pandemic issues is disgraceful and doomed to fail,' the spokesperson added, urging Washington to share its 2019 case data with WHO investigators.
Public health experts warn that politicization hampers global preparedness. 'Origins tracing must remain scientific to prevent future crises,' said Dr. Li Wen, a Singapore-based epidemiologist. As debates continue, China reaffirmed its commitment to multilateral cooperation through WHO frameworks.
