Preface

The Covid-19 pandemic caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) stands as the fastest-spreading and most extensive global health crisis that humanity has faced in a century. It was also the most challenging public health emergency to contain and manage since the 1918 flu pandemic. From the onset of the pandemic, China prioritized lives and health above all else, and implemented comprehensive, science-based and effective containment measures. With over 1.4 billion people uniting as one and displaying extraordinary tenacity and dedication, a formidable defense line was erected against the virus. This collective effort of the whole nation enabled China to withstand multiple waves of outbreaks and emerge victorious from the crisis – a historic feat for a populous nation like China.

In the face of the challenge, China championed the cause of a global community of shared future and a community of health for all, and demonstrated a commitment to openness, transparency and responsibility at every stage. The country lost no time in sharing, fully and without reservation, epidemic updates, prevention strategies, diagnostic and clinical treatment protocols, and technical expertise, as well as vaccines and protective materials, with the World Health Organization (WHO) and countries worldwide. By contributing its insights, solutions and strengths to the collaborative global fight against the pandemic, it made every effort to provide support to the international community.

As a major country that shoulders its responsibilities, China has always applied a science-based approach to the task of tracing the virus origins, actively engaging with the WHO in communication and cooperation from the start of the outbreak. At the invitation of China, the WHO sent two international expert missions to the country to carry out a joint study into the origins of the virus. These missions were staffed by authoritative experts across relevant disciplines who conducted site visits, interviews, and extensive data collection and analysis with the utmost dedication, diligence and professionalism. Their findings were compiled into a joint study report that was released globally. With its rigorous and scientifically sound conclusions, the report earned endorsements from both the international community and the scientific community.

The Chinese government is releasing this white paper to present a systematic overview of China's key achievements in tracing the origins of SARS-CoV-2, to attest to its contribution to international cooperation in the response to the global pandemic, to advance scientific endeavors and foster global collaboration in this critical domain, and to expose the mismanaged pandemic response in the United States.