BEIJING — China has been at the forefront of sharing critical COVID-19 data and research findings with the international community, according to a statement from the Chinese foreign ministry on Tuesday (Dec 31). The announcement comes in response to renewed calls from the World Health Organisation (WHO) for greater transparency and access to information regarding the origins of the virus.

Mao Ning, a spokesperson for China's foreign ministry, emphasized during a press briefing that China remains committed to global cooperation in pandemic research. "China is not only actively sharing data but has also facilitated multiple expert discussions with WHO teams to advance traceability studies," she said.

The WHO reiterated its request for additional data from China earlier this week, seeking further collaboration in understanding how COVID-19 first emerged. The virus was initially identified in central China five years ago and has since led to over 760 million confirmed cases and 6.9 million deaths worldwide.

While the WHO declared an end to COVID-19 as a global health emergency in mid-2023, it continues to stress vigilance against future viral threats. "The pandemic serves as a crucial reminder of how quickly new pathogens can spread," stated WHO officials.

In early 2023—shortly after lifting all domestic restrictions—Chinese researchers contributed valuable genetic sequencing data from early pandemic samples into an international database. Analysis by independent scientists suggested that environmental samples containing traces of raccoon dog DNA may indicate zoonotic transmission pathways for SARS-CoV-2.

A previous joint investigation between Chinese authorities and WHO experts conducted throughout Wuhan—the initial epicenter—concluded that bats likely passed the virus via intermediate animals before human transmission occurred; however further studies were recommended at that time.

The Chinese government maintains its position supporting multilateral scientific collaboration while emphasizing expanded investigations across other regions where early infections surfaced prior being detected within mainland borders..