Chinese FM strongly opposes attempts to use origins tracing as pretext to smear China

(ECNS) -- Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin on Thursday expressed strong opposition to attempts that use the origins tracing as a pretext to spread disinformation and smear China.

"Such moves are not conducive to advancing international cooperation against the pandemic and should meet the unequivocal opposition from the international community,” the spokesperson said at a regular news briefing.

"China always supports and participates in science-based global origins-tracing,” he said, adding that "We have been open and transparent and acted responsibly on this issue."

Wang stressed that China will continue to support this global effort and continue its communication and cooperation with WHO.

He pointed out that more and more clues from the international science community are pointing the origins of SARS-CoV-2 to sources around the world.

"Many have raised questions and concerns about U.S. bio-military bases at Fort Detrick and around the world,” he said.

WHO and the Scientific Advisory Group for the Origins on Novel Pathogens (SAGO) should take a close look at these clues, effectively cooperate with relevant countries, and share research findings with all parties in a timely way, he added.