A joint letter has been sent to the World Health Organization (WHO) by 48 UN Member States opposing the politicization of a probe into the origins of SARS-CoV-2. According to Zhao Lijian, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, the letter emphasizes that probing the origins of the virus should not be politicized and calls on the WHO Secretariat to cooperate with member states to advance the study of the origins around the world, in accordance with the relevant resolution of the World Health Assembly(WHA). Zhao made the remarks on July 15, stressing that the letter is a reflection of the shared aspiration of the international community and where justice lies.
Zhao said the letter makes it clear that the virus is the common enemy of humankind, and it can only be defeated by the solidarity and cooperation of the international community.
He also noted that since the beginning of the pandemic, China has taken a scientific, professional and responsible attitude toward probing the origins of the virus. China has taken the lead in working with the WHO in global origins probing. On March 30, the WHO officially released the report of the WHO-convened global study of origins of SARS-CoV-2: China Part. The formulation of this report follows WHO procedures and adopts a scientific approach. It is authoritative and science-based and has been widely recognized and respected by the international community. It has laid a sound foundation for advancing global origins probing. China's open and transparent attitude on probing the origins of the virus has also been fully recognized by international experts.
In addition, Zhao pointed out that, however, for quite some time, a handful of countries, led by the US, have been stigmatizing the epidemic, putting a geographical label on the virus and politicizing the origins study. They blatantly disregard the achievements scientists made together and turn a blind eye to science and truth for their own selfish interests. "We urge relevant parties to stop playing political games on the virus origins probing, stop using this issue to pass the buck, and stop deliberately undermining international cooperation on global origins research. They should adopt a truly responsible and scientific attitude, and work with the international community to make due contributions to defeating the virus and protecting people's health and well-being," said Zhao.
Source: Chinese Foreign Ministry