55 countries endorse letter to WHO, oppose politicizing COVID-19 origin study: China's FM spokesperson

In sharp contrast to the political manipulation, rejection of science, and distortion of facts by certain countries over COVID-19 origin-tracing work, an increasing number of countries are voicing overwhelming support for justice, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said on Tuesday.

So far, 55 countries have endorsed the letter sent to WHO Director-General Tedros opposing the politicization of the study of COVID-19 origin.

According to the spokesman, many countries, including Russia, Belarus, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, stressed at a WHO member states briefing "that tracing the origins of the virus is a scientific matter and should not be politicized and the joint WHO-China study report published by WHO should be upheld."

"This fully reflects where justice lies and what the shared aspiration of the international community is," Zhao said, adding that "it fully demonstrates that those who uphold impartiality and objectivity, and champion fairness and justice are in the majority."

He said that relevant parties should stop political manipulation of origin-tracing, stop using it as an excuse to shift the blame, and stop deliberately sabotaging international cooperation on the study of the origins of the virus.

China urged relevant parties to 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, Zhao said.