Ten Q&As on Origin Studying of the COVID-19 (3)

Q: The WHO Secretariat has notified its member states of its work plan on the second-phase origins study. What is China's position on that?

A: First, this work plan is inconsistent with the requirements of the resolution of the 73rd World Health Assembly. The resolution clearly stipulates that the WHO Secretary-General will continue to work closely with member states to identify the zoonotic source of the virus and the route of introduction to the human population. This means that the formulation of the next-phase origin tracing work plan need to be led by WHO member states, and the WHO has to reach consensus with its member-states after full consultation.

Second, this work plan is inconsistent with the conclusions and recommendations of the WHO-China joint mission report. The report was compiled by a joint team of experts from WHO and China, which is the China Part of the WHO-convened global study of origins. The authoritative conclusions and scientific recommendations in the report should serve as the important foundation for next-phase global origins study.