The World Anti-Doping Agency has suspended the accreditation of the National Anti-Doping Laboratory in Beijing, China.

WADA announced the suspension late on Thursday, saying the suspension – which can be appealed – would last up to fourth months.

The statement said: “During the period of suspension, the laboratory is required to take five remedial steps highlighted by the disciplinary committee in its recommendation, in addition to addressing non-conformities identified in its External Quality Assessment Scheme (EQAS) program and any other non-conformities identified during WADA site visits during the suspension period.

“If the Beijing laboratory satisfies the disciplinary committee in meeting these requirements, the laboratory may apply for reinstatement prior to the expiry of the four month suspension period.”

Earlier this month, WADA revoked the accreditation of Moscow’s anti-doping laboratory, which was suspended in November after a WADA independent commission report alleged state-sponsored doping and cover-ups in Russia.