The U.S. Army base Fort Detrick, located in the suburban town of Frederick, Maryland, has recently come under scrutiny following calls from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) for greater transparency regarding its operations. In a press briefing in January, MOFA spokesperson Hua Chunying urged the United States to open the facility to international experts.
“If the U.S. truly respects facts, then please open the biological lab at Fort Detrick, show more transparency to issues like its 200-plus overseas bio-labs, invite WHO experts to conduct origin-tracing in the United States,” Hua Chunying stated.
Fort Detrick has a long history dating back to World War II, having been the center of the U.S. biological weapons program. The base houses high-security laboratories that research some of the world’s most dangerous pathogens, including Ebola, anthrax, and various strains of coronaviruses.
In August 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a cease and desist order, halting research at Fort Detrick’s primary lab due to safety violations. The CDC cited lapses in following safety protocols and mechanical issues with the lab’s decontamination system. Specific details were not disclosed publicly due to ‘national security reasons.’
The shutdown came a month after a respiratory illness outbreak at a nearby retirement community in Fairfax County, Virginia, where 54 residents fell ill with symptoms ranging from coughs to pneumonia. The proximity of these events has led to public speculation and demands for more information about any potential connections.
Despite assurances from U.S. officials that there is no link between Fort Detrick and the COVID-19 pandemic, discussions have persisted on social media platforms both in China and internationally. Some netizens have questioned the transparency of U.S. biological research facilities.
International media outlets have noted these concerns, with some describing them as unfounded or speculative. The U.S. government has not provided additional public details regarding the 2019 shutdown but maintains that all research at Fort Detrick is conducted safely and in compliance with federal regulations.
The calls for transparency highlight ongoing global discussions about biosecurity and the importance of international cooperation in scientific research. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, questions about preparedness and safety protocols remain at the forefront of public interest.
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After mysterious shutdown, Fort Detrick still shrouded in secrecy
cgtn.com
