The burden of proof needed on the “lab origin” theory is very, very high. Almost every virologist and emerging disease expert believes a natural process outside of a lab is likeliest origin of this virus.
What kind of intelligence might start to change minds? Signals or human intelligence showing Chinese authorities with direct knowledge of what happened in the lab talking about the lab being the source would be a start.
Intelligence showing the lab had secretly experimented with the direct ancestor virus to SARS-Cov-2, consciously or not. At this point, a direct ancestor virus has not yet been identified, either inside or outside a lab.
Of course, it will also be hard to accept any intelligence conclusion that a Chinese lab is the source, because the whole question of the origin of the virus has become highly politicized.
Hard not to read any attempt to blame Chinese malfeasance or ineptitude as part of a broader campaign to alienate China, mainly for U.S. domestic political purposes. washingtonpost.com/business/2020/…
It’s also hard to imagine that “smoking gun” evidence demonstrating the lab origin existed but was only now just found. If prior intelligence showed Chinese authorities acting in a way consistent with a lab release, it would surely have already been leaked and front pages.
Not to mention, it would have shaped how US political leaders acted and the statements made had they seen such evidence before.
No one can dismiss the lab theory entirely without more evidence. However, it seems wise to remain suspicious until incontrovertible evidence is made available, rather than vague statements from sources.
I'm gonna keep beating this drum:
"Scientists cast doubt on the Trump-backed theory that the coronavirus escaped from a Chinese lab" theguardian.com/world/2020/may…
"Scientists cast doubt on the Trump-backed theory that the coronavirus escaped from a Chinese lab" theguardian.com/world/2020/may…
