Trump: China covid response ‘far from transparent’

Former US President Donald Trump has criticised China’s handling of the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a statement, he said Beijing’s “cover-up” was directly responsible for the rapid global spread of the virus.

He also accused China of withholding crucial information on the virus and allowing it to spread beyond its borders.

Trump’s comments come amid renewed debate over the origins of COVID-19, with some experts calling for further investigation into whether the virus leaked from a lab in Wuhan.

China has denied the allegations and insisted it has been transparent in its response to the pandemic.