Renowned Chinese virologist says coronavirus is 'just the tip of the iceberg' of unknown deadly viruses

A Chinese virologist famous for her work on researching coronavirus in bats has said in an interview on Chinese state television that new viruses being discovered are 'just the tip of the iceberg'.

She also called for greater international cooperation in the fight against epidemics, such as we are seeing now with Covid-19, despite accusations that China covered up the danger posed by coronavirus.

Shi Zhengli, the deputy director of the Wuhan Institute of Virology also known as China's 'bat woman', said that research undertaken in viruses needs governments and scientists to be transparent with their findings, and cooperative.

She added that it is 'very regrettable' when science is politicised.

Speaking to CCTN, Shi told the television network CHTN:

If we want to prevent human beings from suffering from the next infectious disease outbreak, we must go in advance to learn of these unknown viruses carried by wild animals in nature and give early warnings.

If we don't study them there will possibly be another outbreak, she said.