Monday's virtual meeting brings together envoys from 194 member states of the World Health Organization (WHO).

The WHO is facing questions on how it dealt with the coronavirus pandemic.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, who has defended his country's actions during the outbreak, spoke during Monday's opening ceremony.

He said China had acted "with openness and transparency" and insisted that any investigation should happen after the pandemic was brought under control.

In other opening remarks, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus welcomed a proposed resolution calling for a review of the WHO's handling of the pandemic and said it would initiate it "at the earliest opportunity".

South Korean President Moon Jae-in said the WHO must be given more legal powers to ensure that countries report outbreaks and share data.

"A novel infectious disease could emerge at any time and we must be able to respond more quickly and effectively," he said.

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