US White House: "No Consensus Yet on COVID-19 Origin Theory in China"

The U.S. Department of Energy has come out in support of the theory that COVID-19 originated in China, but the White House has responded cautiously, stating that there is not yet a consensus within the government.

John Kirby, White House National Security Council (NSC) Strategic Communications Coordinator, said at a press briefing on the 27th (local time), "Intelligence agencies and other government bodies are still examining this matter."

He added, "Currently, there is no agreement within the U.S. government on exactly how the COVID-19 virus originated. If we have information worth reporting to the public and Congress, we will disclose it."

WHO investigation team touring Wuhan Huanan Seafood Market

Earlier, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that the U.S. Department of Energy had changed its position to support the theory that the COVID-19 virus likely leaked from a laboratory in Wuhan, China.

However, while the Department of Energy presented this conclusion to the White House, it reportedly stated that the reliability of the China origin theory is low. It has not been disclosed on what specific information the Department of Energy based its change in stance.

Following the Department of Energy’s position, U.S. Republican lawmakers have urged the administration to declassify secrets related to COVID-19. Mike Gallagher, Chairman of the China Task Force, agreed with the Department of Energy’s stance and argued, "Until a full investigation of the Wuhan laboratory is conducted, legislation should be prepared to impose sanctions and other restrictions on China-related scientists."

Chairman Gallagher emphasized, "To prevent the spread of viruses next time, we need to know where the virus originated, and Americans have the right to know about this."

The Chinese government sharply criticized the Department of Energy for engaging in political slander against China. Mao Ning, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated, "The origin of the COVID-19 virus is a scientific issue and should not be politicized," adding, "The WHO (World Health Organization) investigation team has already concluded that the possibility of the virus leaking from a Chinese laboratory is very low."