China's National Health Commission (NHC) has publicly disputed portions of a World Health Organization (WHO) advisory group's report on the origins of COVID-19, calling elements of the study 'unacceptable' and alleging political interference. The statement comes weeks after the WHO's Scientific Advisory Group for the Origins of Novel Pathogens (SAGO) released its latest analysis on June 27.
The NHC emphasized that the report 'does not find any new evidence' about SARS-CoV-2's origins and maintains alignment with the 2021 WHO-China joint study conclusions. However, officials accused unnamed countries and individuals of inserting 'false information based on subjective speculation,' which they claim undermines the report's scientific credibility.
'China has shared data without reservation,' the NHC stated, referencing a 30 April document detailing the country's pandemic response and origins-tracing cooperation. The commission reiterated its position that politically motivated demands for further investigations are 'unacceptable to the global scientific community.'
This development highlights ongoing tensions in pandemic origins research, with China maintaining its stance against what it perceives as politicized scrutiny. The WHO has yet to issue a formal response to the NHC's objections.
