CGTN:

Some experts from the WHO think that due to the lack of original data about early cases in China, the report on the first phase of the joint studies met serious criticism. What's your response to this? Thank you. 

Zhou Lei:

Thanks for your question. I also noted this. When we conducted the first phase of the joint studies on SARS-CoV-2 origins, the members of the joint expert group, be it the Chinese scientists or the top international scientists selected by the WHO, all sought to trace the origins with a science-based approach. At that time, we formulated four common principles. Based on those principles, the 28-day research work in Wuhan, tiring though it was, secured remarkable outcomes, including the conclusions we mentioned above. In terms of the early cases, we shared all the materials that we collected at that time, including possible and suspected cases. The Chinese expert group and the international expert group worked together every day during the research, and we presented all the materials and information we gathered, including patient charts and questionnaires. During this process, we took a science-based approach and also abided by the international convention of protecting the respondents' privacy, so we did not shoot videos or take pictures. However, the expert group members shared data, which was studied and analyzed together, and drew joint conclusions. The idea that we hid or did not share information about early cases is simply not true.

The report on the first phase of the joint studies on SARS-CoV-2 origins received wide recognition from the WHO and other international peers. I do not understand why there is doubt now, and I feel sad about this. As I said just now, we invested a great deal of manpower, material, and financial resources into the first phase of the joint research. It can be said that both the Chinese scientists and top international experts from the WHO worked very hard around the clock, generating a joint report of great scientific value. The report should get its due respect rather than meet denial or criticism. Therefore, I suggest that we continue to trace the origins of the virus with a science-based approach and manner and jointly commit ourselves to the next phase of the work without finger-pointing or suspicion. Because this will not help us discover the origins of the SARS-CoV-2. This is our response. Thank you.