Siem Reap Times

Tuesday, May 20, 2025

China and U.S. Reignite War of Words Over COVID-19 Origins

China and U.S. Reignite War of Words Over COVID-19 Origins

Beijing Pushes Back Against Trump Administration’s Lab-Leak Allegations, Suggests Virus May Have Originated in the U.S.

The long-simmering tensions between the United States and China over the origins of COVID-19 have flared up once again, as Beijing formally rebukes fresh accusations from the Trump administration that the virus emerged from a Chinese laboratory.

The renewed clash follows the launch of a new U.S. government website on April 18, which sharply pivots the American pandemic narrative. The site, backed by the Trump administration, asserts that COVID-19 resulted from a lab leak in Wuhan, China, and includes pointed criticism of former President Joe Biden, former chief medical adviser Dr. Anthony Fauci, and the World Health Organization (WHO).

The revamped website replaces the former Covid.gov portal—previously a central source of factual information for Americans on testing, vaccination, and treatment—with content promoting the lab-leak theory and highlighting alleged missteps by prior U.S. officials and international agencies.

Beijing Denounces “Politicization” and Offers Counter-Narrative

In response, China released a white paper through its state-run Xinhua news agency, dismissing the lab-leak allegations as politically motivated. The document reasserts China’s claim that the virus could have originated in the United States and criticizes Washington for what it describes as an ongoing campaign of “politicizing the pandemic.”

“Substantial evidence suggests COVID-19 might have emerged in the United States earlier than its officially claimed timeline,” the white paper states, suggesting that origin-tracing efforts should now shift their focus toward American soil.

An unnamed official from China’s National Health Commission echoed this position, saying the next phase of scientific investigation should concentrate on the U.S.—a stark contrast to international calls for greater transparency from Beijing over the initial outbreak.

International Fallout and Conflicting Assessments

The WHO-China joint study, conducted in early 2021, concluded that a lab leak was “extremely unlikely,” favoring a natural zoonotic origin of the virus. However, that conclusion has since come under scrutiny from several Western governments and independent scientists who cited limitations in data access and transparency during the inquiry.

Adding to the confusion, the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in January released a new assessment indicating that a lab origin was “more likely” than previously believed—but qualified its conclusion by stating it held only “low confidence” in the finding. The agency acknowledged that both lab and natural origins remain plausible and that no definitive conclusion has been reached.

China’s white paper also referenced a lawsuit filed by the state of Missouri during the early months of the pandemic, which resulted in a symbolic $24 billion ruling against China for allegedly hoarding personal protective equipment and failing to alert the world about the virus in time. Beijing dismissed the legal action as baseless and politically driven.

Website Rebranding Sparks Controversy at Home

The decision by the Trump administration to transform Covid.gov into a platform focused on the lab-leak theory has drawn mixed reactions domestically. Critics argue that the move sacrifices public access to vital health information in favor of partisan messaging. The new site features a cinematic homepage styled like a political thriller, with Trump prominently positioned as the truth-teller in a story of global deception.

Public health experts have warned that redirecting resources and messaging away from vaccination access and pandemic preparedness could leave Americans vulnerable in future public health crises.

Global Stakes Remain High

As the COVID-19 origin debate becomes increasingly entangled in geopolitical rivalry, both sides appear unwilling to yield. The Trump administration seeks to frame the pandemic as a failure of Chinese transparency, while Beijing counters with accusations of scapegoating and calls for the U.S. to open its own records to international scrutiny.

With no definitive scientific consensus in sight and investigations mired in diplomatic hostility, the search for the true origins of COVID-19 continues to be overshadowed by political narratives on both sides of the Pacific.

Newsletter

Related Articles

Siem Reap Times
0:00
0:00
Close
President Biden’s announcement of advanced prostate cancer sparked public sympathy—but behind closed doors, Democrats are in panic
Thailand and Indonesia Strengthen Bilateral Relations to Enhance ASEAN Cooperation
US Administration Signals Potential Tariffs for 18 Trade Partners
Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki Erupts Again, Spewing Ash Cloud over Flores Island
A Chinese company made solar tiles that look way nicer than regular panels!
Thai Prime Minister to Host Indonesian President in Bangkok
Japan to Enhance Strategy for Quantum Technology Industrialization
Asean Ministers Urge Unity Amid Global Economic Volatility
Rodrigo Duterte Arrested and Transferred to The Hague Amid ICC Charges
U.S. and Philippine Forces Test High-Powered Microwave Weapons in Joint Exercise
Indian jet shootdown: the all-robot legion behind China’s PL-15E missiles
China Unveils Advanced AI Surveillance Tools at 12th Police Equipment Expo
Japan's Three Major Banks Report Record High Net Profits for Second Consecutive Year
The Chinese Dragon: The True Winner in the India-Pakistan Clash
China Rebukes US Trade War Tactics Amid Ongoing Tensions
Australia's Venomous Creatures Contribute to Life-Saving Antivenom Programme
NVIDIA to Open R&D Center in China as Shanghai Promises Tax Incentives
The Spanish Were Right: Long Working Hours Harm Brain Function
Did Former FBI Director Call for Violence Against Trump? Instagram Post Sparks Uproar
US and UAE Partner to Develop Massive AI Data Center Complex
Apple's $95 Million Siri Settlement: Eligible Users Have Until July 2 to File Claims
Surge in Visa-Free Entries Boosts International Tourism to Shenzhen
This Kenyan reporter trying to keep a straight face
Strong Warning Issued: Do Not Use General Chatbots for Medical, Legal, or Educational Guidance
U.S. FDA to Remove Oral Fluoride Supplements for Children Amid Gut Health Concerns
Kim Kardashian Testifies in Paris Robbery Trial, Tells Gang Leader: 'I Forgive You'
NVIDIA and Saudi Arabia Launch Strategic Partnership to Establish AI Centers
Why Saudi Arabia Rolled Out a Purple Carpet for Donald Trump Instead of Red
Nissan Plans to Cut Over 10,000 Additional Jobs Worldwide
Trump says it would be 'stupid' not to accept gift of Qatari plane
8-Year-Old Orders 70,000 Lollipops Using Mother’s Phone, Prompting $4,200 Amazon Bill and Viral Facebook Plea
Quantum Computing Threatens Bitcoin Security
Michael Jordan to Serve as Analyst for NBA Games
American citizens account for 70% of worldwide pharmaceutical sales despite comprising only 4% of global population
US and China Agree to Reduce Tariffs by 115% in Bilateral Trade Deal
Early Vote Count Favors Allies of Vice President Sara Duterte in Philippine Senate Elections
Zelenskyy Seeks Ceasefire as Putin Proposes Direct Talks in Turkiye
U.S. and China Reach Preliminary Trade Agreement Amid Ongoing Tensions
Macau's Renowned 'House of Dancing Water' Relaunches with a Modern Makeover
Rodrigo Duterte Awaits Trial at The Hague. Next week he might be elected mayor of his hometown
Trump says U.S. and China negotiated "total reset" in tariff talks
Cardinal Robert Prevost Elected as Pope Leo XIV, Marking a Historic Papacy
Trump, in a major concession, says the tariff on China should be 80% — but will leave it up to Bessent
India-Pakistan conflict may be first test for Chinese military tech
Philippines Reports First Case of H5N9 Bird Flu Virus
Bill Gates Announces Plan to Wind Down Philanthropic Foundation and Disperse Wealth
First From China: Zhao Xintong Wins the Snooker World Championship
Common Sense Returns to Britain's Legal System: UK Supreme Court Declares a Woman Is… a Woman
EU Hits TikTok with €530 Million Fine Over China Data Transfers
Beijing Says U.S. Is ‘Reaching Out’ for Tariff Talks Amid Soaring Trade Tensions
×