How China is meddling in the search for the origins of COVID-19

'It has become a black hole of no information because of political sensitivity and secrecy'
AP (Associated Press)
Huanan market vendor Jiang Dafa
Huanan market vendor Jiang Dafa. Photo: AAP

Deep in the lush mountain valleys of southern China lies the entrance to a mine shaft that once harboured bats with the closest known relative of the COVID-19 virus.

The area is of intense scientific interest because it may hold clues to the origins of the coronavirus that has killed more than 1.7 million.

Yet for scientists and journalists, it has become a black hole of no information because of political sensitivity and secrecy.

A bat research team visiting recently managed to take samples but had them confiscated, two people familiar with the matter said.