China has claimed it shared Covid-19 data “without any restrictions,” following the WHO’s call for more information to better understand the pandemic’s origins. Despite past cooperation, the WHO has criticized China’s transparency. A joint investigation suggested the virus may have come from an intermediary animal. The WHO continues to seek data access, emphasizing the need for global collaboration to prepare for future health crises, while negotiations for a pandemic prevention treaty face ongoing challenges.
China’s Assertions on Covid-19 Data Sharing
On Tuesday, China asserted that it had shared information regarding Covid-19 “without any restrictions.” This declaration follows a recent appeal from the World Health Organization (WHO) for more data and access to better comprehend the origins of the pandemic.
Since its emergence in Wuhan five years ago, Covid-19 has claimed millions of lives, disrupted the economies of numerous nations, and strained healthcare systems globally. The WHO reiterated its call for China to disclose further pandemic-related data to enhance preparedness for future health emergencies in a statement released on Monday.
The Need for Transparency and Cooperation
The WHO highlighted that on December 31, 2019, it became aware of reports from Wuhan health authorities concerning cases of “viral pneumonia.” Mao Ning, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized that China promptly shared information about the outbreak and the virus’s genetic sequence with the WHO and the global community five years ago.
“Without any restrictions, we shared our experience in prevention, control, and treatment, thus making a significant contribution to the international community’s pandemic response,” she stated during a press briefing. However, the WHO has often criticized Chinese authorities for their perceived lack of transparency and cooperation throughout the pandemic.
A joint investigation into the pandemic’s origins, conducted by WHO experts alongside Chinese colleagues in early 2021, suggested the virus might have been transmitted from an intermediary animal, possibly at a market. Since that investigation, WHO officials have been unable to return to China, and requests for more data have been persistently made.
The WHO emphasized the need for cooperation, stating, “We continue to ask China to share data and access so that we can understand the origins of Covid-19. This is a moral and scientific imperative.” The organization stressed that without transparency and collaboration, the world would struggle to adequately prepare for or prevent future health crises.
Mao also indicated that there is “increasing evidence” pointing to the global nature of Covid-19’s origins and expressed China’s willingness to collaborate with various stakeholders to promote scientific research and prevent future infectious diseases.
Earlier this month, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus raised questions about the world’s preparedness for potential future pandemics. While acknowledging that some progress has been made, he cautioned that many vulnerabilities that facilitated the spread of Covid-19 still exist.
In December 2021, global negotiations commenced to establish a framework for pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. While the 194 member states of the WHO have agreed on essential treaty components, significant practical disagreements remain, particularly between wealthier nations with robust pharmaceutical industries and poorer countries concerned about equitable treatment in future outbreaks.
A crucial point of contention is the obligation to swiftly share information on emerging pathogens, which is vital for developing vaccines. The deadline for concluding negotiations is currently set for May 2025.