Beijing, August 16 Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying on the 16th of the World Health Organization Secretariat on the next stage of the coronavirus traceability statement to answer questions from reporters.
At a regular press conference on the same day, a reporter asked: WHO issued a statement on the 12th, said WHO focus on allowing scientists on the basis of the first phase of research, the implementation of the March 2021 China-WHO joint study recommendations. Finding the origin of any new pathogen is a difficult process, a science-based process that requires cooperation, dedication and time. Traceability should not be a political tool of recriminations. At the same time, the statement said that the first phase of the retrospective study did not have enough scientific evidence to rule out any hypothesis, and that mechanisms such as the Scientific Advisory Group on New Pathogens would be established. What is China’s comment on this?
Hua Chunying said that China took note of the statement issued by the WHO Secretariat on the next stage of traceability on the 12th, stressing that the next phase of traceability should be based on the first phase of research, the implementation of the recommendations of the joint China-WHO study, that the search for the origin of new pathogens should be based on science, should not become a tool for mutual recriminations or political attacks. These views should be implemented in the relevant work of WHO.
Hua Chunying said that on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a briefing for envoys to China on the origin of the coronavirus, which comprehensively expounded China’s position on the issue of traceability and the latest progress in its work. I would like to emphasize that WHO is led by member countries. Traceability is of great importance, and the next phase of global tracing must also be led by Member States. The Secretariat should cooperate effectively on the basis of full consultation with Member States on the global traceability work plan, including the follow-up mechanism, conscientiously implement the relevant WHO Resolutions, respect the views of Member States and, in consultation with the parties, determine the tracing plan of the parties.
