Chinese ambassador to Luxemburg rejects politicization of COVID-19 origins

Special: Battle Against Novel Coronavirus

Chinese Ambassador to Luxembourg Yang Xiaorong has said in an interview that she opposes the politicization of the origins of COVID-19.

During a recent interview with Luxemburg magazine Paperjam, Yang, who is now the 15th Chinese ambassador to Luxembourg, said that China has played an active part in the World Health Organisation (WHO)'s study on the origins of the coronavirus.

She noted that China has twice invited WHO experts to conduct joint studies on the origins of the virus in China.

"It should be clarified that this is not an investigation, but joint research on tracing the origin of the virus. In March 2021, WHO released a joint China-WHO research report and specified scientific conclusions such as a laboratory leak is extremely unlikely," she said.

"In the face of the pandemic, China, which places the people and their lives above all else, has adopted the most comprehensive and strict preventive measures against COVID-19, including the strict isolation of patients and the use of health codes," she added.

During the interview, the diplomat also highlighted the sound momentum of economic cooperation between the two countries, noting that Luxemburg remains the third-largest destination for Chinese investments in Europe.

"Although China and Luxembourg differ in size, population, social system and level of development, our two countries both adhere to the principles of reciprocal respect, mutual equality, win-win cooperation," Yang said.