WHO experts arrive at Wuhan Tianhe International Airport on January 14. Photo: VCG

The WHO expert team on a mission to conduct scientific research into the novel coronavirus together with Chinese experts is set to leave quarantine on Thursday, and will carry out activities including holding seminars and inspections, on the premise of abiding by the country's relevant laws and regulations, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Thursday.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian made the remarks during a routine press conference on Thursday. 

The WHO expert group has undergone 14-day centralized quarantine, which is an international norm, and the quarantine is to end on Thursday, Zhao said.

Zhao stressed that all of the WHO team's activities should conform to the principle of scientific traceability, and should prioritize preventing future risks and protecting people's lives, safety and health. 

Zhao did not disclose the identity of the Chinese scientists who will work together with the international expert group or details of the group's schedule.

Commenting on US media reports that White House press secretary Jen Psaki said the US wanted a "robust and clear" international probe into "the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic in China," Zhao noted that it is inappropriate to make any presumptions, negative speculations, or even attempts to politicize the interpretation of words and deeds. 

"They will cause unnecessary interference in the WHO expert group's scientific research cooperation in China and are not conducive to serious scientific conclusions," he warned.

Zhao hoped that the US would meet China halfway, and hold a responsible attitude toward the facts and science, respect the work of the WHO expert team, and ensure their viral origin tracking work proceeds without political disturbance.

Global Times