Beijing - The China Anti-Doping Agency says there have been six recent positive drugs tests by Chinese swimmers, but denies claims in a British newspaper of a cover-up.
The Times said in Thursday's editions that it had been approached by whistleblowers in Chinese swimming who claimed that five positive tests had been kept secret.
Zhao Jian, deputy director of the Chinese agency known as CHINADA, said it had recorded three positive tests, all for clenbuterol, in late August and early September. The swimming federation will soon issue punishments in those cases and the results will be made known.
Zhao said there have also been three positive tests since the beginning of 2016, all in January, but those remain under investigation and will be publicised within 20 days of punishments being issued in accordance with WADA regulations. He said the World Anti-Doping Agency has been kept informed about all positive tests.