China criticises ‘irresponsible’ WHO remarks on zero-Covid approach

A couple wearing face masks walk by a wall displaying a words “I Love Chaoyang” as they heading to get tested for Covid-19 in the Chaoyang district in Beijing (Andy Wong/AP)

China has defended sticking to its strict zero-Covid approach, calling critical remarks from the head of the World Health Organisation “irresponsible”.

The response from the Foreign Ministry came after WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said he had been discussing with Chinese experts the need for a different approach in light of new knowledge about the virus.