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In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, while many Americans were still unaware of its global implications, the alarming behavior of the Chinese Communist Party raised immediate red flags. In early 2020, China reported a pneumonia outbreak in Wuhan to the World Health Organization, claiming to have it under control.
However, the reality painted a different picture. The Chinese government enforced strict lockdowns and quarantines in Wuhan, constructed field hospitals rapidly, and stockpiled essential protective gear like face masks and surgical gloves. Additionally, they maximized the operation of crematoriums. These actions indicated a lack of confidence in their public health claims.
Relying on common sense rather than scientific expertise or classified intelligence, it became apparent that the situation was dire. Throughout the initial response to the Wuhan coronavirus, skepticism surrounding statements from the Chinese government was warranted. Their contradictory actions and ongoing concealment of crucial information about the outbreak revealed a troubling narrative.
When I voiced concerns during those formative early days, the backlash was overwhelming. Critics from both China and its American defenders reacted as if I had committed unforgivable sins. Attempts to silence dissenting opinions became apparent at every turn.
My first proposal suggested implementing a travel ban from China into the United States. This straightforward measure seemed reasonable, especially since China had initiated its own travel restrictions from Wuhan. Despite this, prominent figures like Anthony Fauci labeled the idea as “culturally insensitive,” while Joe Biden dismissed it as “hysteria, xenophobia, and fearmongering” after President Trump enacted the travel ban.
Notably, both Fauci and Biden would later reconsider their positions. What stood out was not merely their incorrect assessments but their first instinct to support the Chinese government’s narrative while attacking its critics. This incident exemplified a broader pattern of behavior.
Subsequently, when I referred to the virus as the ‘Wuhan coronavirus’ or ‘China virus,’ I faced severe criticism from the Washington establishment. I found the backlash perplexing since there is a historical precedent for naming diseases based on their geographical origins, such as West Nile virus or Ebola.
Nevertheless, if naming conventions offended the Chinese government, outrage ensued. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Robert Redfield called these terms “absolutely wrong and inappropriate.” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi argued they “make us less safe,” while Senator Chuck Schumer characterized them as “harsh, nasty, and bigoted.”
Major news outlets echoed these critiques. Following his election, President Biden restricted government employees from using geographically accurate terms related to the virus. This double standard became glaringly obvious, benefiting China.
During this tumultuous time, I made a significant claim: the possibility that the virus escaped from a laboratory should be considered. Given the circumstances, this observation should not have sparked controversy. After all, Wuhan is home to a high-level bioresearch facility studying bat coronaviruses, and American officials had raised concerns about lax safety protocols there as early as two years prior.
The evidence starkly indicated that a lab leak could be plausible. Notably, bats are not native to the Wuhan area, and the local “wet market” did not sell bats or pangolins, the animals that Chinese authorities initially suggested were responsible for the outbreak. Early reports showed that those infected had not been linked to that market. This only underscored the likelihood of a lab-related incident.
The Chinese Communist Party reacted predictably, denouncing my viewpoint. China’s ambassador to the United States labeled my assertions as “absolutely crazy,” claiming they fostered suspicion and rumors. Similarly, a leading researcher from the Wuhan lab criticized my comments, claiming I was attempting to mislead the public.
The uproar was not confined to Chinese officials; American journalists and media outlets joined in the condemnation. Publications like the Washington Post, New York Times, and major news networks labeled the lab-leak hypothesis as a “conspiracy theory.” Reports from NPR categorically denied any likelihood of the virus originating from laboratory accidents.
In their haste to discredit my views, those defending the Chinese narrative overlooked basic facts and a healthy skepticism critical for responsible discourse. Over time, a shift occurred in media narratives, leading some outlets to modify their initial reports and acknowledge the shortcomings of their earlier assertions.
By 2023, credible institutions, including the Department of Energy and the FBI, began voicing suspicions that the pandemic might have arisen in a lab. Notably, even the New York Times published a piece substantiating the lab-leak theory in 2024.
Despite the evolving narrative, the Chinese Communist Party has not wavered in its stance. Throughout this process, I continued to advocate for accountability regarding China’s actions. In 2020, China retaliated against me with sanctions, which I view as a badge of honor.
The experiences from the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic highlight important insights about China. First, the Chinese Communist Party’s inclination to mislead remains consistent. Their history mirrors that of Soviet Russia during the Cold War.
Moreover, China has benefited from the unwavering support of numerous American defenders spanning numerous sectors, including business and politics. They not only advocate for China but also attack those who voice concerns. This trend significantly erodes opposition and criticism.
The repercussions of these dynamics resonate among ordinary Americans as well. Many hesitate to voice concerns about China, fearing repercussions such as job losses or social ostracization. In a similar vein, private citizens who express views similar to mine could face significant professional consequences.
This situation creates a troubling reality where self-censorship flourishes. Many Americans remain unaware of the full narrative surrounding China due to the pervasive fear of backlash.
Ultimately, there exists a chilling atmosphere in which some truths about China may remain unspoken.