China's National Health Commission has strongly criticized the United States for reviving claims about the origins of COVID-19, accusing Washington of distorting scientific inquiry for political purposes. The rebuke follows a Wednesday article published on the White House website revisiting unsubstantiated allegations about a Wuhan research facility.
"The U.S. continues to recycle baseless narratives rejected by scientists worldwide," an NHC spokesperson stated. "Their claims lack any credible evidence and aim solely to shift blame for pandemic mismanagement."
Officials emphasized that China has participated transparently in multiple international investigations while urging focus on "mounting evidence suggesting COVID-19 existed abroad earlier than reported." The spokesperson called for "unbiased, evidence-based origin-tracing in the U.S."
The response underscores escalating tensions between the two powers, with Beijing framing the dispute as part of broader efforts to contain China's global standing. Health experts warn politicization risks undermining future pandemic preparedness.
