China has reported its first case of the fast-spreading Omicron coronavirus variant, AFP has reported, citing state.

Authorities in the northern city of Tianjin confirmed the case in an individual who entered the country from an undisclosed overseas location, according to the Tianjin Daily newspaper.

The asymptomatic patient tested positive for Covid-19 on Thursday before further tests “confirmed the detection of the ... Omicron variant”, the report said, adding that the person was being treated in isolation at a hospital.