We need a science-based approach to the pandemic. »

On Thursday, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) called on all countries to adopt an objective and science-based approach in crafting response measures to COVID-19 but also to avoid politicizing the pandemic, following several countries’ decision to impose new entry requirements for travelers from China.

“We continue to believe that all countries’ response measures to COVID-19 must be proportionate and science-based. […] “No country should politicize the epidemic or take discriminatory measures to affect exchanges and cooperation between people,” said Mao Ning, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at a regular press conference.

Countries including the United States, Japan, Australia and the United Kingdom require travelers from China to provide negative COVID-19 tests prior to departure or arrival.

In response to certain assurances by a senior official of the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding the transmission of information by China to the world organization, Mao Ning pointed out that since the beginning of the epidemic, China has always shared information and data with the international community. society in an open, transparent and accountable manner.

She noted, “According to incomplete statistics, China has conducted more than 60 technical exchanges with the World Health Organization since COVID-19 was first reported, on topics including containing and treating it, vaccine research and development, or research on the origin of the virus.” Outside.

On Tuesday, scientists from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention participated in a meeting of the WHO expert group on tracking the evolution of the virus (Technical Advisory Group on Virus Evolution, TAG-VE). On this occasion, they discussed the situation of COVID-19 and related variables in China.

“The World Health Organization has repeatedly noted that the information and data shared by China has helped scientists around the world better understand the evolution of the virus in China,” she said, adding that China will continue to closely monitor virus mutations in its territory and communicate information in a timely manner.

Mao Ning called on the WHO secretariat to maintain a “scientific, objective and fair stance” as well as play a positive role in the global joint response to the challenges of the epidemic.

Regarding the development of the disease in China, the spokesperson said that the latest information published by the National Health Commission (CNS) showed that no new variants or significant mutations had been detected in China. To date, the Omicron BA.5.2 and BF.7 minor strains remain the two major strains in the country.

Mao Ning reminded Chinese citizens who plan to travel abroad to confirm their health conditions and entry requirements to their destination countries in advance, so that their itinerary will not be affected.