Australia is standing firm in its call for an independent investigation into the origins of COVID-19 despite China's threats of a trade boycott.

Canberra has asked China's ambassador Jingye Cheng for an explanation over his comments that Australia's pursuit of a global probe could spark a Chinese boycott of universities, tourism and agriculture.

But Prime Minister Scott Morrison is moving forward in trying to build an international coalition and now Donald Trump has confirmed his administration is conducting its own investigations.

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Einar Tangen, China analyst and independent adviser to the Chinese government on economic and development issues

Producer: Linda Lopresti