As tensions between the United States and China continue following the 'reconnaissance balloon' incident, the U.S. has now claimed that the COVID-19 virus leaked from a Chinese laboratory, prompting strong backlash from China. Some Chinese netizens have also condemned the U.S. claims as 'conspiracy theories.'
On the 28th, critical posts from Chinese netizens targeting the U.S. have been continuously appearing on social networking services (SNS) such as Weibo and Twitter. Chinese netizens responded to the U.S. laboratory leak theory by saying, "They are producing false information and showing off," "This is another conspiracy theory. It is likely a calculated plan by the U.S.," and "The U.S. is exaggerating the possibility that the virus leaked from a Chinese lab."
One netizen questioned, "The U.S. side said the virus's origin is not natural but due to a leak from a Chinese lab," adding, "Can a simple lab leak cause millions of deaths?" Others also commented, "The day after the U.S. claimed that the COVID-19 virus leaked from a Chinese lab, they revisited the fact that China is supporting Russia," and "Considering incidents like the reconnaissance balloon, the leak theory seems like a political game by the U.S."
U.S. Department of Energy: "High Possibility COVID-19 Leaked from Chinese Lab"
On August 4, 2021, employees at an auto parts manufacturing plant in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, underwent COVID-19 nucleic acid testing. [Image source=AFP Yonhap News]
Earlier, on the 26th (local time), according to a report by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), the U.S. Department of Energy submitted a classified report to the White House and some lawmakers stating that the COVID-19 virus likely first leaked from a Chinese laboratory.
Theories about the origin of COVID-19 are divided into two: the 'lab origin theory,' as claimed by the Department of Energy, and the 'natural transmission theory,' which suggests the virus spread to humans through animal trade.
Initially, the Department of Energy held the position that the origin of COVID-19 was unclear, but it has since shifted to support the Wuhan lab leak theory. The Department reportedly reached this conclusion based on new information that had not been previously reported. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has also concluded that the virus originated from a lab in China.
A senior U.S. intelligence official told WSJ, "We conducted an update with previously unreported information," adding, "The assessment was made through new information, additional research on academic literature, and consultation with private experts."
China: "Stop Smearing"
In response, China has strongly protested. Mao Ning, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said at a regular briefing on the 27th, "The investigation into the origin of COVID-19 is a scientific issue and should not be politicized," and criticized, "The smearing of China and the politicization of the COVID-19 origin investigation must stop."
He stated, "The conclusion that a lab leak is extremely unlikely is an authoritative scientific conclusion reached based on joint on-site investigations by Chinese and World Health Organization (WHO) experts at the relevant Wuhan laboratories and in-depth communication with research personnel," adding, "It has received broad recognition from the international community and the scientific world."
Meanwhile, the U.S. is increasing pressure on China. Nicholas Burns, U.S. Ambassador to China, participated via video in an event hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on the same day, saying, "If we want to strengthen the WHO, we must push China to play a more active role."
He added, "Also, we must push China to be more honest about what happened three years ago regarding the Wuhan origin theory of the COVID-19 crisis."
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