China’s priority is first beating the pandemic – and countering the “absurd and ridiculous” politicisation of the new coronavirus, Chen Xu told reporters in an online briefing.

The World Health Organization says it is waiting on an invitation from China to take part in its investigations into the animal origins of the virus, first reported in the city of Wuhan in December.

Asked when the WHO could expect an invitation, Chen replied: “The top priority, for the time being, is to focus on the fight against the pandemic until we win the final victory.

“We need the right focus and allocation of our resources.

“It’s not that we are ‘allergic’ to any kind of investigations, inquiries or evaluations,” he said, as they could aid international efforts to prepare for future public health emergencies.

“We need to race (against) time to save lives as much as we can,” he added.

“As to whether or how the invitation will take place, we need to have the right priority at this moment, and on the other hand, we need the right atmosphere.”