The State Dept released the 2018 Wuhan cables, but they did NOT release the FULL cables. They redacted IMPORTANT stuff. I have the full cables, so I know what they redacted. Would you like to know what they are trying to hide? foia.state.gov/Search/Results… THREAD
Redaction #1: "China must invest in the development of the technical and scientific expertise needed to safely and efficiently operate this facility if it wishes to become a fully-engaged and collaborative global partner in infectious disease research and control..." 1/3
2/3 "..In addition, government BSL research decision-making processes need to be more transparent so that international partners and Chinese scientists are confident that the government is providing informed oversight that meets the highest global standards.."
3/3 "...To achieve full operation of this facility, China is likely to need additional technical assistance and advice from the international community."
In other words, the lab has safety issues, the government isn't being transparent and we need to help them get into shape.
In other words, the lab has safety issues, the government isn't being transparent and we need to help them get into shape.
Redaction #2: "Professor Zengli Shi, one of the few Chinese scientists with BSL-4 lab training, commented that NHFPC’s decision-making process regarding virus research permission is not transparent..." 1/3
2/3 "...Dr. Shi primarily studies coronaviruses including SARS and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). As a result, WIV requested permission to work on SARS in the new lab. NHFCP denied this request without providing a clear reason, according to professor Zheng..."
3/3 "...NHFCP denied this request without providing a clear reason, according to professor Zheng."
The cable then goes on to make the point that the commitment of the government to fight infectious diseases, "especially related to highly pathogenic viruses," remains in doubt.
The cable then goes on to make the point that the commitment of the government to fight infectious diseases, "especially related to highly pathogenic viruses," remains in doubt.
So to sum up, the redactions remove the parts that call for the U.S. government to do more to help the lab fix its problems (nothing was done), say the Chinese government is mishandling its oversight and warn of the risk of an infectious disease event coming from the lab...
The cables say ZERO about the COVID-19 crisis because they were written TWO YEARS PRIOR. They speak to the lab's condition at THAT TIME. Nothing more, nothing less. END THREAD
