Xinhua News Agency:

The expert mentioned just now that the first phase of the joint origin tracing studies concluded that the lab leak hypothesis was "extremely unlikely ." Now the WHO has proposed that various kinds of hypotheses are open to study and need further study. How do you respond to this? In addition, how do you feel about the COVID-19 Origin Act of 2023 of the US being signed into law ? 

Tong Yigang:

Thanks for your questions. During the first phase, the WHO and China each sent more than 10 experts to Wuhan, where they spent nearly a month conducting a joint study. They made a science-based judgment that the lab leak hypothesis was "extremely unlikely." This conclusion was reached after scientists from both sides carried out extensive investigations and studies, including visiting relevant labs in Wuhan and conducting in-depth interviews with relevant persons. As for the series of hypotheses on the origins of the coronavirus, the joint group gave assessments ranging from "extremely unlikely" to "very likely," which were based on objective facts as well as rigorous and science-based judgments. We should conduct further study on the basis of respecting the results of the first phase of the joint research to improve the efficiency of the origin tracing. If we do not accept or recognize the study outcomes of the first phase and repeat the work done during that phase, it will be a huge waste of resources and even lead to the subsequent work heading in the wrong direction. This will also call into question the value of subsequent work in the future. 

As for the US' COVID-19 Origin Act of 2023, we should underline that SARS-CoV-2 origin tracing studies is a matter of science, and we should look to scientific facts for answers rather than politicize the matter. We also strongly oppose slandering, dramatizing, and other unscientific and irrational actions. Thank you.