The origin of Covid-19 has been a source of debate and controversy since the virus first emerged in Wuhan, China in late 2019. While some have speculated that the virus may have originated from a laboratory leak, China has consistently denied this theory and has instead pointed to the possibility of the virus being transmitted from animals to humans.
The lab-leak theory has been a source of tension between China and the United States, with the latter accusing the former of not being transparent about the virus’s origin. However, China has maintained that the lab-leak theory should not be politicised and has instead called for an independent investigation into the virus’s origin.
In a recent statement, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said that the lab-leak theory should not be politicised and that the international community should focus on scientific research and evidence-based conclusions. He also noted that China has been open and transparent in its response to the pandemic and has provided timely information to the World Health Organization (WHO).
The Chinese government has also taken steps to ensure that the lab-leak theory is not politicised. In April 2021, the Chinese government released a white paper on the origin of Covid-19, which stated that the virus was most likely transmitted from animals to humans. The paper also noted that the lab-leak theory was “extremely unlikely” and that there was no evidence to support it.
The Chinese government has also called for an independent investigation into the origin of Covid-19. In May 2021, the Chinese government proposed a joint international investigation into the virus’s origin, which would involve experts from China, the United States, the European Union, and the WHO. The proposal was welcomed by the WHO, which noted that it was “a step in the right direction”.
The lab-leak theory should not be politicised and should instead be investigated in a scientific and evidence-based manner. China has consistently called for an independent investigation into the origin of Covid-19 and has taken steps to ensure that the lab-leak theory is not politicised. It is now up to the international community to ensure that the investigation is conducted in a transparent and impartial manner.
