As the world marks the fifth anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic, tensions over the virus’s origins flare once again. At a recent press briefing, Guo Jiakun, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, called on the U.S. to end its politicization of the investigation into COVID-19’s origins.
Guo criticized certain U.S. websites for reviving the "lab leak" theory without credible evidence, describing it as groundless accusations and political manipulation. He stressed that tracing the virus’s origins is a rigorous scientific process and highlighted the Chinese mainland’s open, transparent approach in collaborating with international experts and global health bodies.
The spokesperson urged Washington to stop politicizing, instrumentalizing, and weaponizing the origins-tracing issue. Guo argued that the U.S. should halt public smears, shifting blame, and overlooking questions about its own pandemic-related activities. He called on the U.S. to address international concerns and provide a responsible, data-driven explanation to the global community.
Reiterating the Chinese mainland’s stance, Guo noted early reports suggesting signs of COVID-19 in various countries, including the U.S. He pointed to the unexplained outbreak of vaping-related illnesses in the fall of 2019 and ongoing suspicions surrounding the Fort Detrick laboratory, which he said remain unaddressed.
“The international community and global public deserve clear answers,” Guo concluded, calling for a shift from finger-pointing to collaborative science.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
