An international group of experts from the WHO will arrive in China on 14th January, to probe the origins of the coronavirus pandemic, ending the uncertainty and delay which drew sharp criticism from the world health body.

The state television said quoting China’s National HealthCommission that experts team from the WHO will conduct a field visit to Chinaon this coming Thursday.

The team’s visit to China, especially to Wuhan where the virus first emerged in December last year, has become a bone of contention as Beijing, which questions the widely-held view about the virus’ origins in Wuhan, had delayed granting permission the 10-member team of experts.

Monday’s confirmation came after WHO chief Tedros AdhanomGhebreyesus, who is often accused of being pro-China, in a rare instance of criticism had expressed disappointment last week over Beijing not finalising the necessary permissions for the expert team’s arrival.