Recently China’s National Health Commission has echoed calls to reopen the investigation into the origins of Covid-19. As a start, they are extremely focused on the United States. This shift comes in response to ongoing allegations suggesting that the virus may have originated from a laboratory in Wuhan, China. The Commission pointed out that for origin-tracing work, it is particularly important to prioritize investigations in the US. They claimed that there is compelling evidence that Covid-19 first appeared there earlier than the date recognized by the US government.
It is no surprise that the international community is alarmed. They argue that the US has not adequately responded to accusations concerning the transparency of its health protocols. The Commission reiterated that it is looking to the US to answer these bona fide questions, in good faith, from international stakeholders.
China continues to claim that it has shared all timely information with the World Health Organization (WHO). On their part, the country has done a great job of communicating with the world. A joint study by the WHO and Chinese experts ruled out a lab leak as “extremely unlikely.” This determination is based on a recent survey conducted by the Chinese state-run Xinhua news agency. This study was part of China’s efforts to provide transparency regarding the virus’s origins, and it aimed to dispel myths surrounding its emergence.
The joint study found striking discoveries. Simultaneously, China released its own white paper on what it believes was the origin of Covid-19. The new white paper doubled down on China’s pledge to provide timely information with the WHO and the international community. It further focused on addressing claims targeting China. The rationale was equally unambiguous — the US could not “act as though it is deaf and dumb” to the sustained global discourse on the virus’s origins.
“Substantial evidence suggested the Covid-19 might have emerged in the United States earlier than its officially-claimed timeline, and earlier than the outbreak in China.” – Official Xinhua news agency
As these discussions tread on, the Chinese government has been unequivocal in its position that additional probing into the US is warranted. They understand that it is important to understand the full story of how Covid-19 came to be. This knowledge will be essential for establishing preparedness against the next pandemic.
