China Repeats "US Conspiracy, Stop Politicizing" on COVID-19 Wuhan Origin Theory

On January 30th, the World Health Organization (WHO) COVID-19 origin investigation team visited a hospital in Wuhan, China. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-seop] The Chinese government has claimed that the 'COVID-19 Wuhan origin theory' is a conspiracy by the United States. This stance was reiterated despite reports that U.S. President Joe Biden ordered further investigation into the origin of COVID-19 and that British intelligence agencies have begun investigating the origin theory.

On the 31st, Wang Wenbin, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, criticized the claim that COVID-19 spread from Wuhan during a regular briefing, stating, "Finding the origin of COVID-19 is a scientific issue and should not be politicized," and added, "We have seen countless remarks that use the infectious disease situation to stigmatize and label."

He further pointed out, "The actions of the United States politicize efforts to find the origin of COVID-19, seriously hindering international cooperation and making joint epidemic prevention efforts to save lives difficult."

He also mentioned, "China has cooperated in origin investigations by inviting World Health Organization (WHO) experts twice with an open and transparent attitude," and said, "The United States and others should stop politicizing COVID-19." Earlier, the WHO announced that the possibility of COVID-19 leaking from the Wuhan Virus Research Institute is low.

He emphasized, "We must not deny science with conspiracy theories and destroy international cooperation to find the origin of COVID-19 for political purposes."

Previously, Zhao Lijian, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also stated, "Experts have concluded that it is impossible for COVID-19 to have started in a Chinese laboratory, and this is a scientific conclusion," and criticized, "Some individuals in the United States blaming the infectious disease on China do not respect science and are not responsible for the lives of the people."