At Tuesday's regular press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun responded to questions regarding the origins of COVID-19.

Guo criticized certain U.S. websites for reviving the "lab leak" theory without credible evidence, saying it amounted to groundless accusations and political manipulation targeting China. He stated that China has consistently opposed such practices, emphasizing that tracing the virus's origins is a serious scientific matter. The spokesperson added that China has maintained a scientific, open, and transparent approach, actively supporting and participating in global efforts to trace the origins of the virus.

Guo urged the U.S. to stop politicizing, instrumentalizing and weaponizing the origins-tracing issue, calling on Washington to cease smearing other countries, shifting blame and ignoring lingering doubts about its own pandemic-related activities. He emphasized the need for the U.S. to address international concerns and provide a responsible explanation to the global community.

Reiterating China's position, Guo noted that since the pandemic began, multiple reports have emerged suggesting early signs of COVID-19 in various countries, including the U.S. He questioned the unexplained outbreak of vaping-related illnesses in the U.S. in the fall of 2019 and ongoing suspicions surrounding the Fort Detrick laboratory, which remain unaddressed.

Guo concluded that the international community and global public deserve clear answers from the U.S.

(Cover: An old sign in a window of a closed business asks customers to wear a mask to prevent the spread of COVID-19 as the nation marks the fifth anniversary of the Covid-19 pandemic in New York City, the U.S., March 13, 2025. /VCG)