WHO Expert Team Visiting Wuhan to Visit Wuhan Institute and Huanan Market, Says Chinese Foreign Ministry

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Emphasizes "Expert Team Visit Is for International Research, Not an Investigation"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] The World Health Organization (WHO) expert team, currently staying in Wuhan, China to investigate the origin of COVID-19, is expected to visit the Wuhan Institute of Virology, hospitals, and the Huanan Seafood Market.

On the 29th, Zhao Lijian, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated at a regular briefing, "The schedule of the WHO expert team's visit will follow the mutual understanding agreed upon in advance by both sides," adding, "The COVID-19 infection situation will be scientifically and professionally linked to make decisions."

Regarding the possibility of visiting the Wuhan Institute of Virology and the Huanan Seafood Market, he said, "They will visit all the mentioned locations," and added, "The expert team plans to publicly announce their research results at an appropriate time."

Furthermore, Spokesperson Zhao reiterated that this WHO expert team's visit is for international research purposes, not for an investigation. This statement is interpreted as being mindful of China's responsibility.

He said, "What I want to emphasize is that the activities of the WHO expert team are part of COVID-19 research, not an investigation," and added, "Both sides have already exchanged communications several times via video calls."

He continued, "Since senior officials and journalists from various countries are not scientists, they should fully trust the expert team and reduce unnecessary interference," emphasizing, "China will cooperate with an open, transparent, and responsible attitude."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.