China Criticizes US Over COVID-19 Origin Investigation

(MENAFN) Chinese public health officials, according to state media, expressed strong disapproval on Wednesday toward the United States for what they described as a renewed effort to “politicize” the investigation into the origins of COVID-19.

Authorities framed this action as a deliberate strategy to tarnish Beijing’s image.

A representative from China’s National Health Commission denounced the U.S. administration’s approach, arguing that it transforms a matter of scientific inquiry into a political agenda, as reported by the media.

This reaction came shortly after the U.S. government launched a new online platform aimed at outlining the origins of the COVID-19 outbreak. The website includes claims asserting that "the epidemic began in a lab leak in China."

Following this development, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a formal response, stating its firm opposition to what it labeled as the U.S.'s political manipulation surrounding the search for the virus's beginnings.

Guo Jiakun, a spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry, addressed journalists, emphasizing that tracing the roots of the virus is a complex and legitimate scientific task.

He highlighted China’s willingness to contribute to international, evidence-driven research efforts, stressing that the country has done so with an attitude of honesty and openness.

Guo also called on the United States to “stop politicizing and weaponizing origins-tracing at once, stop scapegoating others, and stop playing deaf to the questions concerning its role in the pandemic,” urging a more responsible and factual approach to this global issue.

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