Washington's focus at this time should be on a solution to the COVID-19 outbreak, rather than "shifting responsibilities" to China and defaming China's efforts on the pneumonia-like disease, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Thursday.

The deadly virus, which first found in central China's Wuhan City, has made its way to a pandemic – recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO). Washington has blamed Beijing, as U.S. officials continue to remind people of its origin.

U.S. National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien went even further, saying that "the outbreak was covered up" and that "cost the world community two months."

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang refuted the claim within hours. "Such remarks are neither moral nor bear any responsibility," Geng said, citing appreciation from across the world, including officials from the WHO.

The United Nations health committee in February sent an investigative team of 10 experts from a range of countries to China. Dr. Bruce Aylward, the team leader, praised the efforts China has made in fighting against the infection.

In an interview with The New York Times, the American doctor explained that the measures China has taken to deal with the epidemic in different regions were "tailored" to avoid resources being exhausted and that "could teach the world a valuable lesson."

"We've learned from the international community that it is rare to see such a large-scale operation in such a short period," Geng said, referring to the Chinese-government-ordered lockdown of the epicenter since January 22.

"It is the strong and efficient measures China has taken and the great amount of sacrifice the people of China have made that has stopped the spread of the epidemic to the rest of the world," Geng said.

"We hope certain officials from the U.S. will respect the fact and stop [wasting] time in defaming others."