H E Zhou Jian
At present, the COVID-19 is still ravaging across the world with variation and surges. To cope with the pandemic remains as our top priority. However, recently there has been much debate on the origin of the Covid-19, which has become the focus of the international community. I would like to share with you some of my opinions.
First of all, respecting science is the fundamental way in origin-tracing. It is a serious scientific matter, and we should let the scientists conduct evidence-based research to find its source and better prevent future risks.
Historically, places in which first cases have been reported may not turn out to be the origin of the virus, as is in the case of HIV infection, which was firstly reported in the US, did not necessarily have originated in the US.
Similarly, the first reported case of COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan does not mean the origin of the virus is Wuhan, but still needs further studies. As for the so-called “lab leak” accusations, the WHO expert group has already reached a scientific conclusion in the WHO-China joint research report that it is extremely unlikely, and recommended further research on earlier cases worldwide. These findings and recommendations are widely recognized by the international community and scientists, and must be respected and implemented by all parties. The future work of global origin-tracing should and must proceed from the above basis, instead of reinventing the wheel.
Second, it is general consensus of the international community to oppose manipulation. Origin-tracing should never yield to political interference, and any political manipulation is disrespecting science, human conscience and the lives of millions of people. Unfortunately, certain countries put up the show of “thief shouts to stop the thief,” spreading the “political” virus, politicizing the pandemic, stigmatizing the virus, and using the origin-tracing as a tool, forced the WHO Secretariat to propose a second phase origin-tracing, and even called for intelligence group to investigate in China’s so-called “lab leak” based on the presumption of guilt. It is not only inconsistent with the 73rd WHA’s resolution, but also ignores the conclusions and recommendations of the first phase joint research report, which shocked lots of scientists. Actions speak louder than words, and people can’t be fooled. So far, no one at the Wuhan Virus Institute has ever been infected by COVID-19. More than 70 countries have sent letters to the WHO Director-General to express opposition to politicization of origin-tracing and support the WHO-China joint report by writing, issuing statements and sending notes. More than 30 countries have expressed objections or reservations to the second-phase origin-tracing plan. This shows that opposing political manipulation has become the majority consensus of the international community. These voices of justice should and must be taken seriously.
Third, solidarity and cooperation is the key to defeating the pandemic. Origin-tracing is not to blame any country, still less to divide the international community. We can only truly defeat the virus through solidarity and cooperation. China has always participated in origin-tracing cooperation with an open attitude. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, China has taken the lead in working with the WHO on origin-tracing, and has twice invited WHO experts to China for joint research. Early this year, international experts from more than 10 countries including the US, UK, Japan and Australia were invited to China for origin-tracing studies, and have worked 28 days in Wuhan. They went to all the places they wanted to go, met all the people they wanted to meet, reached a scientific conclusion in the joint WHO-China study report that a laboratory leak is extremely unlikely. What China has done has set a good example for origin-tracing works and provided firm support for the global fight against the pandemic. China stands ready to continue working with the international community, actively and steadily carry out origin-tracing in countries and places around the world, and jointly maintain a sound atmosphere for global fight against the pandemic.
Like China, Qatar also respects science. We are glad to see that under the leadership of His Highness the Amir, Qatar respected the rule of science in the face of unknown virus, followed scientific methods in decision making, patient treatment, vaccination, prevention, and has successfully controlled the pandemic, safeguarding people’s health, and bringing economic development back to order. In addition, Qatar plays an active role in international cooperation against COVID-19. So far, Qatar has provided medical assistance to more than 80 countries and international organizations, contributed in the equitable distribution of vaccine globally, demonstrating its international responsibility. We highly appreciate Qatar’s efforts.
On the issue of origin-tracing, we need to uphold an open, transparent, scientific and cooperative manner. We should cooperate rather than discredit; seek for truth, not lies; respect science, and oppose political manipulation. In the next step, China is ready to work with Qatar and other partners to support and participate in global origin-tracing cooperation, and jointly contribute to an early and complete victory over the pandemic for all mankind.
