China’s State Council Information Office dropped a major document this week: a 14,000-character white paper defending its COVID-19 response and calling for global unity in pandemic research. The release follows controversial claims from U.S. politicians and a recent $24.5B lawsuit against China by Missouri. Here's the tea. 🍵
Why This White Paper?
The report slams what it calls 'baseless accusations' of China hiding pandemic info or stockpiling medical supplies. It highlights China’s early transparency with the WHO, including sharing virus genomes and hosting joint research missions. The document also takes aim at the U.S. response, calling it 'botched' and blaming 'vaccine nationalism' for slowing global recovery. 💉🌍
Virus Origins: ‘Follow the Science’ 🔬
China claims it spearheaded global origins research, citing joint studies with WHO experts in 2020-2021. But it turned the spotlight on the U.S., pointing to CDC data suggesting COVID-19 antibodies were detected in American blood samples as early as Dec. 2019. The paper demands the U.S. open its labs for 'thorough investigations' to address 'lingering questions.'
US vs. China: A Pandemic Report Card 📊
The white paper contrasts China’s rising life expectancy (78.6 years in 2023) with America’s drop (76.1 years in 2021). It criticizes U.S. policies like reopening schools mid-pandemic and alleges vulnerable groups were 'abandoned' by the healthcare system. Over 1.1M U.S. COVID deaths are labeled a 'policy failure.'
‘Political Theater’ Over Lawsuits ⚖️
China dismissed Missouri’s $24.5B lawsuit as a 'farce,' arguing it sent 38 medical teams abroad and shared 430B masks globally. Stats show China donated PPE to 153 countries—including the U.S.—during the crisis. 'Fair treatment, not blame,' the paper insists.
Global Health Governance 🌐
China vows to keep backing WHO-led initiatives and pandemic preparedness plans, slamming the U.S. for suspending WHO funding. The report pushes for 'equitable access' to health resources worldwide, framing China as a defender of 'a shared future for mankind.'
