WHO chief 'disappointed' after China blocks entry for experts studying Coronavirus origin

World Health Organization (WHO) chief Tedros ham Ghebreyesus said on Tuesday that he is 'disappointed' that Chinese officials have t finalized permissions for arrival of a team of experts into China to examine origins of COVID-19. Ghebreyesus, in a rare critique of Beijing, said members of international scientific team have begun over last 24 hours to leave from ir home countries to China as part of an arrangement between WHO and Chinese government.

RE | Taiwan Claims China Me Record 380 Incursions In 2020, Says 'tensions w At Highest'

'I am very disappointed'

"Today, we learned that Chinese officials have t yet finalized necessary permissions for teams arrival in China, he told a news conference in Geneva. I am very disappointed with this news, given that two members h alrey begun ir journeys and ors were t able to travel at last minute, but h been in contact with senior Chinese officials", WHO chief said. 

RE | COVID-19: Nashik Sees 192 Cases, 3 Deaths; 235 Recover

country in questions is of immense scientific interest because it most likely holds clues to origins of COVID-19 that has killed more than 1.8 million people globally. Yet for scientists and journalists, it has become a black hole of zero information because of political confidentiality and sensitivity. A bat research team recently mand to take samples but h m confiscated, two people familiar with matter reportedly said. Specialists in coronaviruses have been allegedly ordered t to speak to press. 

RE | China: Iran Nuclear Issue At "critical Juncture"

As various countries across globe continue to struggle with new infection cases and outbreaks, China seems to recover rapidly. In December, China h claimed positive ecomic growth for second quarter in a row.

China has constantly dismissed criticisms and allegations of being responsible for coronavirus outbreak around world. United States President Donald Trump has gone on record criticising China for ir way of handling COVID-19 outbreak around world. On Saturday, senior diplomat Wang Yi praised anti-pandemic efforts by China. He said country t only curbed domestic infections, but also aided in building a global anti-epidemic defence by providing aid to hundreds of countries in world. 

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has also slammed Chinese Communist Party for continuing to spre disinformation regarding Covid-19 and obstructing WHO investigation.

(With ncy Inputs) 

RE | China Unlikely To Achieve 2035 Ecomic Goals As Xi Jinping Prioritises Repression: Expert