Xi will deliver a speech via video link at the opening ceremony of the conference. China has been accused by some of early attempts to cover up the outbreak, which has gone on to claim more than 300,000 lives globally.

A joint EU-Australia draft resolution calling for an inquiry into the origins and spread of Covid-19 has the backing of 116 nations at the World Health Assembly. It needs the backing of two-thirds of the 194 members of the assembly before a resolution can be put forward.

However, China has voiced its staunch opposition to such a move and opposed a similar call from Australia last month.

On Monday, foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said it was still too early for an investigation as most countries believed the pandemic was not over.