China outlines Covid origin findings, ahead of WHO report

Wuhan Central Hospital (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan, FILE)

Chinese officials have briefed diplomats on the ongoing research into the origin of Covid-19, ahead of the expected release of a long-awaited report from the World Health Organisation.

The briefing appeared to be an attempt by China to get out its view on the report, which has become enmeshed in a diplomatic spat. The US and others have raised questions about Chinese influence and the independence of the findings, and Beijing has accused critics of politicising a scientific study.