China hopes relevant parties will invite WHO to conduct source tracing

BEIJING: China on Friday expressed the hope that following China’s example, relevant parties will act in a positive, science-based and cooperative manner on the issue of tracing the origin of the novel coronavirus, and invite World Health Organization (WHO) experts to their countries to conduct origin tracing research.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin made the remarks at a press briefing in response to reports that quoted Chinese health experts as saying that after China, WHO experts should visit other countries for virus source tracing investigations and studies. Virus source tracing is a complex scientific issue involving many countries and places, and should be carried out by scientists from across the world, Wang said. “With an open and transparent attitude, China has maintained close communication and cooperation with the WHO on origin tracing,” he added. Since their quarantine ended on Jan. 28, the WHO experts, together with Chinese experts, have conducted field visits and several rounds of scientific, professional and candid exchanges on scientific issues of common concern. – Agencies