US President Donald Trump has again taken aim at China, demanding the United Nations hold the Communist regime accountable for its failure to contain COVID-19 during the early days of the pandemic.

The Trump administration has long blamed Beijing for its handling of the virus which originated in Wuhan.

Chinese President Xi Jinping also addressed the assembly, calling for a global response to the pandemic.

He says the world should follow the guidance of science and give the World Health Organisation a leading role.