The British government is refusing to confirm or deny reports it has given China assurances about the way it refers to the coronavirus pandemic and its cause
"We've always said that transparent and accurate information about the virus is essential for an effective global response."
The reports come as Western anger and frustration with China over the pandemic grows. Scientists believe its most likely source was wild animals - and that it was transferred to humans in an animal market in Wuhan. A Chinese foreign ministry official has, for instance, publicly suggested the virus was brought to Wuhan by the American military.
The Chinese suppressed reports of the virus when it first appeared and persecuted whistleblower doctors.And Chinese authorities have also in the last few days placed restrictions on any scientific or academic research into the virus.Coronavirus UK tracker: How many cases are in your area – updated daily
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Coronavirus: China reports most new infections in weeks - BBC NewsChina says it had 108 confirmed new infections on Sunday, almost all of them brought in from abroad.
Read more »
China records most coronavirus cases in six weeks amid fears of second waveChina says a sharp rise in coronavirus infections is due to infected travellers arriving from abroad and it has led to tighter border controls and stricter quarantines in a province bordering Russia
Read more »
China builds a new coronavirus hospital amid fears of a second waveThe new field hospital has 580 beds and is situated in north-eastern China's Suifenhe, a prefecture-level city that shares a 27-kilometre (16-mile) border with Russia.
Read more »
Coronavirus diplomacy: how Russia, China and EU vie to win over SerbiaAs pandemic spreads rival powers deploy soft power and aid to advance foreign policy goals
Read more »
China bans Nintendo game Animal Crossing over in-game protestsNintendo's popular new game Animal Crossing: New Horizons has been effectively banned in China after some activist groups used the game to stage political protests against the government.
Read more »