The American Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has recently admitted that the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic likely originated in a laboratory in China.
This assessment, released on Saturday, is inconclusive. The agency stated that a natural origin is still as likely as a lab one.
This finding is not based on new evidence. It comes after a new analysis of existing intelligence regarding the virus’s spread and the functioning of China’s virology labs.
The report was completed under the Biden administration, following a request from former CIA Director William Burns. It was declassified and released by John Ratcliffe, who was sworn in as director last Thursday.
The CIA’s assessment suggests more evidence supporting a lab origin than a natural one. However, the agency acknowledges that the evidence is often incomplete or contradictory, making its conclusion uncertain.
Many experts have debated whether the virus emerged naturally or from a Chinese lab, possibly due to an accident. Intelligence officials have stated that it may never be clear due to a lack of cooperation from Chinese authorities.
Republican Senator Tom Cotton praised the CIA for their conclusion, saying he was “pleased the CIA concluded…that the lab-leak theory is the most plausible explanation.” He further emphasised the need for accountability, saying, “Now, the most important thing is to make China pay for unleashing a plague on the world.”
Chinese officials have dismissed speculation about the virus’s origins. A spokesperson from China’s U.S. embassy called the CIA’s report “not credible,” urging everyone to respect science and avoid conspiracy theories.
While scientists generally believe the virus likely originated in bats, they are still investigating how it spread to humans. Some reports have suggested a potential lab leak theory. The CIA will continue to evaluate any new information that might change its assessment.
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