Zhao Lijian

China has never required US diplomats in China to take anal swab tests, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeperson Zhao Lijian at a routine press conference on Thursday, refuting a report by The Washington Post alleging that some US personnel have complained about "being subjected to anal swab tests for COVID-19."

The US State Department spokesman also responded to questions on anal swab testing, saying the department was "evaluating all reasonable options" to solve the problems for the "dignity" of US diplomats, said the report published on February 18. 

Zhao denied the accusation made by the US side, saying it has been verified that China has never made such requirements.

A few Chinese cities have adopted the anal swab tests for COVID-19, but only among certain high-risk groups.

Beijing and Qingdao in East China's Shandong Province, for example, required international arrivals to take the anal swab tests before completing their quarantine periods. Yangzhou in East China's Jiangsu Province also adopted the method in its routine monitoring of health status among cold-chain workers.

Chinese experts noted that taking anal swab tests could increase accuracy in key groups.