China’s NHC denies part of WHO panel’s assessment on COVID-19 origins

China’s National Health Commission (NHC) did not approve part of WHO Scientific advisory group’ report on origins of COVID-19, according to a statement on Monday.

The WHO Scientific Advisory Group for the Origins of Novel Pathogens (SAGO) on June 27 published its report on the origins of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic.

The NHC said the independent assessment of SAGO does not find any new evidence related to the origins of SARS-CoV-2, nor does it draw any conclusion contrary to the Joint WHO-China Study released by the WHO in March 2021.

“Unfortunately, with manipulation and influence from certain countries and individuals, the report has included false information based on subjective speculation, seriously undermining the scientific soundness and credibility of the report, part of which raised groundless requirements for China,” the NHC said in the statement.

China does not approve, and they are not acceptable to the global scientific community either, the NHC reiterated.

China has shared data and information related to SARS-CoV-2 origins tracing study without reservation, which has been presented in the Covid-19 Prevention, Control and Origins Tracing: China’s Actions and Stance published on 30 April, the NHC said.