The Wuhan virus came from a lab. This theory is as old as the pandemic. And after 17 months we still don't know if it's true or not. But the lab leak theory refuses to die. More arguments backing this claim keep coming up. And each one is better than the other.&nbsp;

This time, a probe by the Republicans in America and a story from a prominent science writer are raising the same question: Is China trying to hide something about the Wuhan lab?

Former US secretary of state Mike Pompeo has had no doubt that the virus escaped from a lab in Wuhan.

When Pompeo was in charge of the state department, his office released a fact sheet that said researchers at the Wuhan Institute of Virology had become ill in the autumn of 2019.

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This was well before China reported its first case. And all these months and investigations later, Pompeo still believes that a leak did happen.

This claim is not new. But what about the evidence? Can anyone prove a lab leak?

Republican lawmakers say there is circumstantial proof&nbsp;that merits a full and credible investigation. They have released a report asking the US government to put more pressure on China for a probe.

And it's not just politicians. Many scientists and researchers agree that the lab theory must be investigated.&nbsp;

Nicholas Wade, a prominent science writer, recently authored a detailed assessment for the bulletin of atomic sciences. The piece explores every angle, and assesses all possibilities.

Wade believes that neither a natural outbreak, nor the lab theory should be ruled out. But going by the evidence that's available, a lab leak looks much more plausible.

Wade lists several events that put a question mark on the role of the Wuhan lab.

In his piece, he shares how researchers at the Wuhan lab collected hundreds of bat coronaviruses and how they were doing gain-of-function experiments.

This is research designed to make coronaviruses infect human cells and humanised mice. Here is where the role of Peter Daszak comes into question.

Daszak is the president of EcoHealth Alliance, an American organisation that funded research into coronaviruses at the Wuhan lab in China.

In the early days of this pandemic, 27 prominent public health scientists had signed a letter. They rejected theories that suggested the Wuhan virus was not natural in its origin.

In his piece, Nicolas Wade claims Daszak had organised and drafted this letter. And while doing so, he did not disclose his own links to the Wuhan lab. Daszak claims the charges against him are disingenuous and wildly erroneous. His organisation the EcoHealth Alliance received funding from America's National Institute of Health. The same body that is headed by Dr Anthony Fauci.

Dr Fauci himself has recently faced questions over the funding that America gave to the Wuhan lab. While EcoHealth Alliance and the Wuhan lab did get American money, Fauci maintains that the funding wasn't for any gain of function research.

In recent weeks, The fresh claims and new connections have caught the eye of more experts. 18 scientists have now written an open letter. Demanding a new probe into the origins of the Wuhan virus. The doubts can only be settled if China gives unfettered access to the Wuhan lab.

And that's wishful thinking.

The Wuhan virus came from a lab. This theory is as old as the pandemic. And after 17 months we still don't know if it's true or not. But the lab leak theory refuses to die.

The Wuhan virus came from a lab. This theory is as old as the pandemic. And after 17 months we still don't know if it's true or not. But the lab leak theory refuses to die. More arguments backing this claim keep coming up. And each one is better than the other. This time, a probe by the Republicans in America and a story from a prominent science writer are raising the same question: Is China trying to hide something about the Wuhan lab? Former US secretary of state Mike Pompeo has had no doubt that the virus escaped from a lab in Wuhan. When Pompeo was in charge of the state department, his office released a fact sheet that said researchers at the Wuhan Institute of Virology had become ill in the autumn of 2019. × This was well before China reported its first case. And all these months and investigations later, Pompeo still believes that a leak did happen. This claim is not new. But what about the evidence? Can anyone prove a lab leak? Republican lawmakers say there is circumstantial proof that merits a full and credible investigation. They have released a report asking the US government to put more pressure on China for a probe. And it's not just politicians. Many scientists and researchers agree that the lab theory must be investigated. Nicholas Wade, a prominent science writer, recently authored a detailed assessment for the bulletin of atomic sciences. The piece explores every angle, and assesses all possibilities. Wade believes that neither a natural outbreak, nor the lab theory should be ruled out. But going by the evidence that's available, a lab leak looks much more plausible. Wade lists several events that put a question mark on the role of the Wuhan lab. In his piece, he shares how researchers at the Wuhan lab collected hundreds of bat coronaviruses and how they were doing gain-of-function experiments. This is research designed to make coronaviruses infect human cells and humanised mice. Here is where the role of Peter Daszak comes into question. Daszak is the president of EcoHealth Alliance, an American organisation that funded research into coronaviruses at the Wuhan lab in China. In the early days of this pandemic, 27 prominent public health scientists had signed a letter. They rejected theories that suggested the Wuhan virus was not natural in its origin. In his piece, Nicolas Wade claims Daszak had organised and drafted this letter. And while doing so, he did not disclose his own links to the Wuhan lab. Daszak claims the charges against him are disingenuous and wildly erroneous. His organisation the EcoHealth Alliance received funding from America's National Institute of Health. The same body that is headed by Dr Anthony Fauci. Dr Fauci himself has recently faced questions over the funding that America gave to the Wuhan lab. While EcoHealth Alliance and the Wuhan lab did get American money, Fauci maintains that the funding wasn't for any gain of function research. In recent weeks, The fresh claims and new connections have caught the eye of more experts. 18 scientists have now written an open letter. Demanding a new probe into the origins of the Wuhan virus. The doubts can only be settled if China gives unfettered access to the Wuhan lab. And that's wishful thinking.

Origin of Wuhan virus needs to be found

According to the Wall Street Journal report, three researchers from Wuhan Institute of Virology sought hospital care in November 2019, months before China disclosed the COVID-19 pandemic, citing a previously undisclosed US intelligence report.

Report says Wuhan lab staff sought hospital care before COVID-19 outbreak disclosed

Smoking is injurious to health, but some studies say smokers are 23% less likely to be diagnosed with Wuhan virus. Should you believe these studies? Palki Sharma tells why studies should be taken with a pinch of salt.

Gravitas Plus: Does smoking help you fight COVID-19?

The pandemic has given birth to 493 new billionaires. 40 of them made money through companies fighting the Wuhan Virus. 9 of them made a fortune through vaccines. Who are they? What's their worth? WION's Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: The pandemic has given birth to new billionaires

The Wuhan Virus is now infecting children. Singapore says virus is 'attacking' children more. Brazil is reporting a rise in 'child deaths' & Taiwan has shut down all schools. Palki Sharma tells you why India can't ignore these global trends.

Gravitas: Wuhan virus is now infecting children

Is India's top medical research body ICMR using an outdated prescription to treat Wuhan virus patients? ICMR's official treatment protocol encourages the use of HCQ & Ivermectin - drugs that leading global regulators advise against using. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Is India using an outdated prescription to treat COVID-19 patients?

Did Joe Biden's pandemic advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci fund Wuhan Virus research? Republican Senator Rand Paul says Fauci could be personally involved in the origin of the virus. Palki Sharma separates facts from fiction.

Gravitas: Did Dr. Fauci fund Wuhan Virus research?

Chinese state media on Wednesday reported the existence of at least 18 cases of the double mutant <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-philippine-president-duterte-orders-arrest-of-mask-violators-383222">coronavirus</a> variant from India.

Watch:

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Reports claimed three Chinese nationals tested positive for the double mutant after they returned to Chongqing from India via Kathmandu.&nbsp;

The Chinese nationals had reportedly stayed at a hotel in&nbsp;Nepal for two days before flying out of the country on April 21 and later tested positive after they landed at Chongqing airport.

According to China's state-run Global Times, three citizens returning from India were suspected of carrying the double mutant COVID-19 variant with one asymptomatic case reportedly involving an Indian man who landed at Shanghai airport from Niger via Paris.

Chinese authorities fear there could be more cases of the double mutant in the country, the state media reported.

Meanwhile, Nepal's Epidemiology and Disease Control Department director Paudel told news wire Reuters that authorities have detected the UK variant and the double mutant variant detected in India which has fueled coronavirus cases in the country.

The rising cases have put pressure on the country's health services with hospital reportedly inundated with COVID-19 patients requiring intensive care and ventilators.

Nepal's former king Gyanendra and his wife were struck by the virus after they returned from India.

The royal couple has been receiving treatment in a Kathmandu private facility. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/covid-19-mt-everest-climbers-show-symptoms-officials-dismiss-reports-of-possible-outbreak-383235">Nepal </a>has witnessed a surge in coronavirus cases with over 3,000 new infections recorded on Sunday which was the highest this year.

Nepal has 300,119 total coronavirus cases with 3,164 fatalities, however, despite the escalating cases, foreign minister Pradeep Gyawali said a national level lockdown was not required.&nbsp;

The country had started its vaccination drive in January with vaccines provided by India and China, but it has been hampered recently with authorities unable to procure more jabs from India.

Nepal had brought the vaccines from the Serum Institute in India, which has now prioritised its own needs amid a deadly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-india-battles-second-wave-third-wave-is-inevitable-says-government-expert-383070">second wave</a> in a bid to stem the spread of the virus.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

Chinese state media on Wednesday reported the existence of at least 18 cases of the double mutant coronavirus variant from India. Watch: Reports claimed three Chinese nationals tested positive for the double mutant after they returned to Chongqing from India via Kathmandu.

Chinese state media on Wednesday reported the existence of at least 18 cases of the double mutant coronavirus variant from India. Watch: Reports claimed three Chinese nationals tested positive for the double mutant after they returned to Chongqing from India via Kathmandu. The Chinese nationals had reportedly stayed at a hotel in Nepal for two days before flying out of the country on April 21 and later tested positive after they landed at Chongqing airport. According to China's state-run Global Times, three citizens returning from India were suspected of carrying the double mutant COVID-19 variant with one asymptomatic case reportedly involving an Indian man who landed at Shanghai airport from Niger via Paris. Chinese authorities fear there could be more cases of the double mutant in the country, the state media reported. Meanwhile, Nepal's Epidemiology and Disease Control Department director Paudel told news wire Reuters that authorities have detected the UK variant and the double mutant variant detected in India which has fueled coronavirus cases in the country. The rising cases have put pressure on the country's health services with hospital reportedly inundated with COVID-19 patients requiring intensive care and ventilators. Nepal's former king Gyanendra and his wife were struck by the virus after they returned from India. The royal couple has been receiving treatment in a Kathmandu private facility. Nepal has witnessed a surge in coronavirus cases with over 3,000 new infections recorded on Sunday which was the highest this year. Nepal has 300,119 total coronavirus cases with 3,164 fatalities, however, despite the escalating cases, foreign minister Pradeep Gyawali said a national level lockdown was not required. The country had started its vaccination drive in January with vaccines provided by India and China, but it has been hampered recently with authorities unable to procure more jabs from India. Nepal had brought the vaccines from the Serum Institute in India, which has now prioritised its own needs amid a deadly second wave in a bid to stem the spread of the virus. (With inputs from agencies)

China detects 18 cases of double mutant COVID-19 variant first found in India

Children may be less susceptible to the Wuhan Virus but it is important to vaccinate them to reach herd immunity. U.S. is likely to begin vaccination for kids this month. What about India?

Gravitas: Why we urgently need to vaccinate children

The Communist Party of China (CPC) mocked India over the deadly coronavirus, which began in Wuhan last year, wreaking havoc in the country.&nbsp;

An account on Chinese microblogging site Weibo, which was linked to the Chinese Communist Party, posted a now-deleted photo over the weekend of China launching a rocket, alongside an image of bodies being cremated in India.&nbsp; 
 
The account on Weibo, China’s Twitter-equivalent, shared two images side-by-side of a rocket launch in China and a cremation ground in India, adding a message: “China lighting a fire, India lighting a fire”. 
 
Several social media users expressed shock and anger at the insensitivity of the post.

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Someone apparently thought it was a good idea to make fun of the latest Covid-19 outbreak in India? An acct affiliated with CCP Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission posted this on Weibo. Caption: When China sets things on fire vs when India does it. <a href="https://t.co/cJTXT9Lbws">pic.twitter.com/cJTXT9Lbws</a>
— Mengyu Dong (@dong_mengyu) <a href="https://twitter.com/dong_mengyu/status/1388486756052480006?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
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“We hope everyone gives attention to the Chinese government and mainstream public opinion supporting India's fight against the epidemic,” China's foreign ministry said in response to a request for comment.&nbsp;

The novel coronavirus outbreak, which originated in Wuhan, China, has expanded to touch every corner of the globe. Millions of people around the world have been sickened and hundreds of thousands of others have died.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Communist Party of China (CPC) mocked India over the deadly coronavirus, which began in Wuhan last year, wreaking havoc in the country. An account on Chinese microblogging site Weibo, which was linked to the Chinese Communist Party, posted a now-deleted photo over the weekend of China launching a rocket, alongside an image of bodies being cremated in India.

The Communist Party of China (CPC) mocked India over the deadly coronavirus, which began in Wuhan last year, wreaking havoc in the country. An account on Chinese microblogging site Weibo, which was linked to the Chinese Communist Party, posted a now-deleted photo over the weekend of China launching a rocket, alongside an image of bodies being cremated in India. The account on Weibo, China’s Twitter-equivalent, shared two images side-by-side of a rocket launch in China and a cremation ground in India, adding a message: “China lighting a fire, India lighting a fire”. Several social media users expressed shock and anger at the insensitivity of the post. Someone apparently thought it was a good idea to make fun of the latest Covid-19 outbreak in India? An acct affiliated with CCP Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission posted this on Weibo. Caption: When China sets things on fire vs when India does it. pic.twitter.com/cJTXT9Lbws — Mengyu Dong (@dong_mengyu) May 1, 2021 × “We hope everyone gives attention to the Chinese government and mainstream public opinion supporting India's fight against the epidemic,” China's foreign ministry said in response to a request for comment. The novel coronavirus outbreak, which originated in Wuhan, China, has expanded to touch every corner of the globe. Millions of people around the world have been sickened and hundreds of thousands of others have died. (With inputs from agencies)

China mocks India’s COVID-19 crisis, deletes post after backlash

COVID-19 has overwhelmed health systems worldwide. Apart from an alarming death toll, the Wuhan virus has many hidden victims. People with other life-threatening illnesses are struggling to find treatment. We bring you their stories on WION Wideangle

WION Wideangle | Wuhan Virus- The untold toll

ICU cases have hit a peak high in France. New emergency 'brake rules' have been imposed in Germany. Tokyo is under a 'state of emergency'. Blood clots are being reported in UK. Hospitals in Brazils have run out of sedatives. WION’s Palki Sharma tells you more about the global situation.

Gravitas: Wuhan Virus: A global reality check

World leaders failed to unite against the Wuhan Virus pandemic. Can they redeem themselves in the battle against climate change? Why does climate action remain a footnote on diplomatic statements? WION’s Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Can the world unite against climate change?

Have you received both your doses of the Wuhan Virus vaccine? The CEO of Pfizer says you'll likely need a 3rd dose. Will other vaccine-makers follow suit? Watch this report by WION's Palki Sharma to find out.

Gravitas: Why do we need a third vaccine dose?

Wuhan virus variants are driving global infections. World's leading countries are fighting over vaccines doses, while more than 500,000 people on average are testing positive everyday around the world. Who is the winner in this chaos? China.

Gravitas | The Global Pandemic Botch-Up: A win for China

An international expert mission, led by the World Health Organisation (WHO), to Wuhan has concluded that it was very likely that the novel coronavirus first passed to humans from a bat through an intermediary animal. This report rules out a laboratory leak incident.

The report from the international mission to Wuhan has been keenly anticipated ever since the expert team left China more than a month ago.

In the report -- a draft copy of which was obtained by AP and AFP news agencies, experts said that the intermediary host hypothesis was deemed "likely to very likely", while the theory that the virus escaped from a laboratory was seen as "extremely unlikely".

The experts and their Chinese counterparts had already made it clear during a lengthy press conference in Wuhan that they could not yet draw any firm conclusions. But they said they had worked to rank a number of hypotheses according to how likely they were.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blinken-expresses-concern-on-who-report-over-origin-of-coronavirus-374021">Also read | Blinken expresses concern on WHO report over origin of coronavirus</a>

In the latest statement, experts said they believe that the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes the Covid-19 disease originally came from bats.

One theory examined was that the virus jumped directly from bats to humans. The final report determined that this scenario was "possible to likely".

A more likely scenario, the report found, was that the virus had first jumped from bats to another animal, which in turn infected humans.

"Although the closest related viruses have been found in bats, the evolutionary distance between these bat viruses and SARS-CoV-2 is estimated to be several decades, suggesting a missing link," the report said.

"The scenario including introduction through an intermediary host was considered to be likely to very likely," it said, although it did not conclude which animal may have first allowed the virus to jump to humans.

The report meanwhile did not rule out transmission through frozen food -- Beijing's favoured theory -- since the virus appears to be able survive at freezing temperatures, saying that "introduction via cold/ food chain products is considered possible".

The report examined the idea of a lab leak from, for instance, the Wuhan Institute of Virology -- a theory promoted by former US president Donald Trump's administration.

It pointed to the fact that there was no record of any virus resembling SARS-CoV-2 in any laboratory before December 2019, and stressed high safety levels at the labs in Wuhan.

They, thus, said this theory seemed very unlikely.

(with inputs)

An international expert mission, led by the World Health Organisation (WHO), to Wuhan has concluded that it was very likely that the novel coronavirus first passed to humans from a bat through an intermediary animal.

An international expert mission, led by the World Health Organisation (WHO), to Wuhan has concluded that it was very likely that the novel coronavirus first passed to humans from a bat through an intermediary animal. This report rules out a laboratory leak incident. The report from the international mission to Wuhan has been keenly anticipated ever since the expert team left China more than a month ago. In the report -- a draft copy of which was obtained by AP and AFP news agencies, experts said that the intermediary host hypothesis was deemed "likely to very likely", while the theory that the virus escaped from a laboratory was seen as "extremely unlikely". The experts and their Chinese counterparts had already made it clear during a lengthy press conference in Wuhan that they could not yet draw any firm conclusions. But they said they had worked to rank a number of hypotheses according to how likely they were. Also read | Blinken expresses concern on WHO report over origin of coronavirus In the latest statement, experts said they believe that the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes the Covid-19 disease originally came from bats. One theory examined was that the virus jumped directly from bats to humans. The final report determined that this scenario was "possible to likely". A more likely scenario, the report found, was that the virus had first jumped from bats to another animal, which in turn infected humans. "Although the closest related viruses have been found in bats, the evolutionary distance between these bat viruses and SARS-CoV-2 is estimated to be several decades, suggesting a missing link," the report said. "The scenario including introduction through an intermediary host was considered to be likely to very likely," it said, although it did not conclude which animal may have first allowed the virus to jump to humans. The report meanwhile did not rule out transmission through frozen food -- Beijing's favoured theory -- since the virus appears to be able survive at freezing temperatures, saying that "introduction via cold/ food chain products is considered possible". The report examined the idea of a lab leak from, for instance, the Wuhan Institute of Virology -- a theory promoted by former US president Donald Trump's administration. It pointed to the fact that there was no record of any virus resembling SARS-CoV-2 in any laboratory before December 2019, and stressed high safety levels at the labs in Wuhan. They, thus, said this theory seemed very unlikely. (with inputs)

Virus likely jumped to humans from bats through 'missing link', expert report says

There are a few perils attached with being a pro-China lawmaker in a room full of honest speakers. First, you get hurt at the slightest mention of the most popular name given to the deadly virus of the year. And second, you walk out - virtually, because, virus.

By that measure, Hong Kong's Executive Council member Regina Ip Lau Suk Yee cannot be really blamed for her (over)reaction at the WION Global Summit on Wednesday.

The audience at the summit were in for a surprise when the mention of "Wuhan virus" rattled Regina Ip Lau Suk Yee&nbsp;so much that she staged a walkout from the session -- when&nbsp;Michael Tsai, former defence minister of Taiwan, was speaking at the summit's second session&nbsp;The Post-Pandemic World Order.

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Hong Kong's Executive Council member <a href="https://twitter.com/ReginaIplau?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ReginaIplau</a> stages a walk-out at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WIONGlobalSummit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WIONGlobalSummit</a> after objecting to the term 'Wuhan Virus'. 
 
Watch the full clip below. <a href="https://t.co/CAwKAqW6bA">pic.twitter.com/CAwKAqW6bA</a>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1374661013610532864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Regina had started with a broadside against the West for not paying enough attention to the outbreak of Sars-CoV2.

"We in Hong Kong are lucky because the number of cases are relatively low. In fact we had done pretty well initially and then, we suffered the second and the third wave. We have effectively curbed the spread of the virus. The pandemic led to leadership crisis, especially by the developed region, like the US and Europe. First, Trump refused to believe it was a pandemic. And that's why we still have a lot of Americans&nbsp;who think Covid-19 is a hoax," she said.

"The so-called leaders of the free world are not helping the other part of the world by helping them with vaccines. China is helping with vaccines while Russia is sharing the technology. Because of this lack of leadership and cooperation, it will take long before we can overcome this pandemic."

The mood was set. It was anti-West&nbsp;and pro-China.

But then came Tsai,&nbsp;who started with a bang. His first sentence had the words ''Wuhan Virus'', enough to rattle the otherwise composed Regina.

"Let me begin how nations failed in this pandemic -&nbsp;Covid-19 or you may call it the Wuhan virus..." Tsai began.

Regina interrupted, "I beg your pardon. I don't think you should refer to the virus as Wuhan virus. I'll leave this talk if you again use this term."

Tsai conceded defeat. And chose another way to put forth his thoughts.

He said, "Taiwan as a nation....."

Regina interrupted again, "I am sorry I'll have to leave this talk. Taiwan is not a nation. It's a renegade province of the People's Republic of China..."

That was all for her. She stood up and began to walk.

WION Executive Editor&nbsp;Palki Sharma&nbsp;requested her to stay, but she left, as Tsai smiled and continued.

The walkout, however, did not stop Tsai from speaking his mind.

"To talk about China, I think China has to take the responsibility for not informing about the pandemic in time. I would suggest that the WHO has to do a little bit more. I appeal that China has to respect human rights. Everyone in the world has to have concern for human rights in Hong Kong, Tibet and Xinjiang. We would also appeal to China and the Communist leadership in Beijing to stop their aggression towards Taiwan, Japan, etc in the South China Sea."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/respect-human-rights-and-dignities-taiwans-former-defence-minister-to-china-at-wion-global-summit-372787">Also read |&nbsp;'Respect human rights and dignities': Taiwan's Former Defence Minister to China at WION Global Summit</a>

"Why China has to do that? Setting up missile against those countries? China sends their fighter jets almost everyday and their submarines in the South China Sea are causing disturbance in the Asia Pacific, and therefore, we appeal to China to stop their missile, threatening the countries in the region."

The novel coronavirus is believed to have originated in Wuhan in China, and people - loathing on Beijing for not doing enough to stop the spread of the virus - have since been calling it the 'Wuhan virus', much to the chagrin of the Chinese.

The WHO also recently conducted a probe to find out more about the origins of the virus, but did not give any satisfactory reasoning for its&nbsp;rapid spread.

The deadly virus has so far infected almost 125 million people across the world, killed over 2.5 million and has cost the world as many as $16 trillion.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-wion-global-summit-leaders-make-way-for-bidens-peace-initiatives-372783">Also read |&nbsp;At WION Global Summit, leaders make way for Biden's peace initiatives</a>

&nbsp;

There are a few perils attached with being a pro-China lawmaker in a room full of honest speakers. First, you get hurt at the slightest mention of the most popular name given to the deadly virus of the year.

There are a few perils attached with being a pro-China lawmaker in a room full of honest speakers. First, you get hurt at the slightest mention of the most popular name given to the deadly virus of the year. And second, you walk out - virtually, because, virus. By that measure, Hong Kong's Executive Council member Regina Ip Lau Suk Yee cannot be really blamed for her (over)reaction at the WION Global Summit on Wednesday. The audience at the summit were in for a surprise when the mention of "Wuhan virus" rattled Regina Ip Lau Suk Yee so much that she staged a walkout from the session -- when Michael Tsai, former defence minister of Taiwan, was speaking at the summit's second session The Post-Pandemic World Order. Hong Kong's Executive Council member @ReginaIplau stages a walk-out at #WIONGlobalSummit after objecting to the term 'Wuhan Virus'. Watch the full clip below. pic.twitter.com/CAwKAqW6bA — WION (@WIONews) March 24, 2021 × Regina had started with a broadside against the West for not paying enough attention to the outbreak of Sars-CoV2. "We in Hong Kong are lucky because the number of cases are relatively low. In fact we had done pretty well initially and then, we suffered the second and the third wave. We have effectively curbed the spread of the virus. The pandemic led to leadership crisis, especially by the developed region, like the US and Europe. First, Trump refused to believe it was a pandemic. And that's why we still have a lot of Americans who think Covid-19 is a hoax," she said. "The so-called leaders of the free world are not helping the other part of the world by helping them with vaccines. China is helping with vaccines while Russia is sharing the technology. Because of this lack of leadership and cooperation, it will take long before we can overcome this pandemic." The mood was set. It was anti-West and pro-China. But then came Tsai, who started with a bang. His first sentence had the words ''Wuhan Virus'', enough to rattle the otherwise composed Regina. "Let me begin how nations failed in this pandemic - Covid-19 or you may call it the Wuhan virus..." Tsai began. Regina interrupted, "I beg your pardon. I don't think you should refer to the virus as Wuhan virus. I'll leave this talk if you again use this term." Tsai conceded defeat. And chose another way to put forth his thoughts. He said, "Taiwan as a nation....." Regina interrupted again, "I am sorry I'll have to leave this talk. Taiwan is not a nation. It's a renegade province of the People's Republic of China..." That was all for her. She stood up and began to walk. WION Executive Editor Palki Sharma requested her to stay, but she left, as Tsai smiled and continued. The walkout, however, did not stop Tsai from speaking his mind. "To talk about China, I think China has to take the responsibility for not informing about the pandemic in time. I would suggest that the WHO has to do a little bit more. I appeal that China has to respect human rights. Everyone in the world has to have concern for human rights in Hong Kong, Tibet and Xinjiang. We would also appeal to China and the Communist leadership in Beijing to stop their aggression towards Taiwan, Japan, etc in the South China Sea." Also read | 'Respect human rights and dignities': Taiwan's Former Defence Minister to China at WION Global Summit "Why China has to do that? Setting up missile against those countries? China sends their fighter jets almost everyday and their submarines in the South China Sea are causing disturbance in the Asia Pacific, and therefore, we appeal to China to stop their missile, threatening the countries in the region." The novel coronavirus is believed to have originated in Wuhan in China, and people - loathing on Beijing for not doing enough to stop the spread of the virus - have since been calling it the 'Wuhan virus', much to the chagrin of the Chinese. The WHO also recently conducted a probe to find out more about the origins of the virus, but did not give any satisfactory reasoning for its rapid spread. The deadly virus has so far infected almost 125 million people across the world, killed over 2.5 million and has cost the world as many as $16 trillion. Also read | At WION Global Summit, leaders make way for Biden's peace initiatives

'Wuhan virus' and the travails of being a pro-China Hong Kong lawmaker

After Pak PM Imran Khan tested positive for the Wuhan Virus, vaccine hesitancy is on the rise in Pakistan. WION's Molly Gambhir gets you a report.

Gravitas: Vaccine hesitancy in Pakistan

What happens in North Korea - always remains shrouded in mystery. Pyongyang insists it has no Wuhan virus cases. Then, why did it try to steal vaccine data from US pharma company Pfizer? WION's Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: Did North Korea try to steal data from Pfizer?

India has invited Pakistan for a virtual SAARC meeting on the Wuhan virus. Will Pakistan stick to the agenda or try to derail the proceedings again? WION's Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas | SAARC Virtual Meet: India invites Pakistan for Wuhan virus workshop

As India edges closer towards taming COVID, the west is overwhelmed. 7 new variants have emerged in the US. The UK is still under lockdown and in France, only 1 vaccine dose is being administered. WION's Palki Sharma tells you how the west is still struggling with the Wuhan Virus.

Gravitas: The West is struggling with Wuhan Virus

Investigators who went to Wuhan have revealed that China didn't share raw data with the WHO team. Reports suggest that there were heated exchanges between both sides - and China 'refused to hand over important data.' WION's Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas | COVID-19 Origins Probe: China 'refused to share' important data

The US on Saturday raised concerns over the possibility of the Chinese govt's interference in the WHO's recent investigation into the origins of COVID-19 in Wuhan.

COVID-19: China slams US over WHO probe concerns

The United Kingdom on Sunday said that it&nbsp;shared concerns about the level of access given to a World Health Organisation COVID-19 fact-finding mission to China, echoing criticism from the United States.

British foreign minister Dominic Raab said, "We do share concerns that they get full cooperation and they get the answers they need, and so we'll be pushing for it to have full access, get all the data it needs."

The WHO probe team suggested the coronavirus might have originated with frozen seafood products, not from a Chinese lab as some, including former US President Donald Trump have claimed.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-cites-deep-concerns-about-who-covid-report-seeks-more-information-from-china-363443" hreflang="en">US cites 'deep concerns' about WHO Covid report, seeks more information from China</a>

The US, to this end, said it wants Beijing to "make available its data from the earliest days of the outbreak."&nbsp;

National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said Sunday "deep respect" for the WHO, which the US is rejoining after the Trump administration quit it to protest its virus response -- but said protecting its credibility is "a paramount priority."

Beijing has repeatedly floated the theory that the virus was instead brought to China through the packaging on products such as frozen seafood, a theory the WHO team did not rule out.

But, Sullivan added, "re-engaging the WHO also means holding it to the highest standards. And at this critical moment, protecting the&nbsp;WHO's credibility is a paramount priority."

Earlier in the day, one of the team's investigators complicated efforts to understand how the outbreak began by claiming China refused to give raw data on early COVID-19 cases to the team.

China's refusal to hand over raw data on the early COVID-19 cases was reported earlier by the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times on Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-refused-who-raw-covid-19-data-on-early-cases-report-363361">Also read |&nbsp;China refused WHO raw COVID-19 data on early cases: Report&nbsp;</a>

A summary of the team's findings could be released as early as next week, the WHO said on Friday.

The probe had been plagued by delay, concern over access and bickering between Beijing and Washington, which accused China of hiding the extent of the initial outbreak and criticised the terms of the visit, under which Chinese experts conducted the first phase of research.

The team, which arrived in China in January and spent four weeks looking into the origins of the outbreak, was limited to visits organised by their Chinese hosts and prevented from contact with community members, due to health restrictions. The first two weeks were spent in hotel quarantine.

The United Kingdom on Sunday said that it shared concerns about the level of access given to a World Health Organisation COVID-19 fact-finding mission to China, echoing criticism from the United States.

The United Kingdom on Sunday said that it shared concerns about the level of access given to a World Health Organisation COVID-19 fact-finding mission to China, echoing criticism from the United States. British foreign minister Dominic Raab said, "We do share concerns that they get full cooperation and they get the answers they need, and so we'll be pushing for it to have full access, get all the data it needs." The WHO probe team suggested the coronavirus might have originated with frozen seafood products, not from a Chinese lab as some, including former US President Donald Trump have claimed. Also read: US cites 'deep concerns' about WHO Covid report, seeks more information from China The US, to this end, said it wants Beijing to "make available its data from the earliest days of the outbreak." National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said Sunday "deep respect" for the WHO, which the US is rejoining after the Trump administration quit it to protest its virus response -- but said protecting its credibility is "a paramount priority." Beijing has repeatedly floated the theory that the virus was instead brought to China through the packaging on products such as frozen seafood, a theory the WHO team did not rule out. But, Sullivan added, "re-engaging the WHO also means holding it to the highest standards. And at this critical moment, protecting the WHO's credibility is a paramount priority." Earlier in the day, one of the team's investigators complicated efforts to understand how the outbreak began by claiming China refused to give raw data on early COVID-19 cases to the team. China's refusal to hand over raw data on the early COVID-19 cases was reported earlier by the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times on Friday. Also read | China refused WHO raw COVID-19 data on early cases: Report A summary of the team's findings could be released as early as next week, the WHO said on Friday. The probe had been plagued by delay, concern over access and bickering between Beijing and Washington, which accused China of hiding the extent of the initial outbreak and criticised the terms of the visit, under which Chinese experts conducted the first phase of research. The team, which arrived in China in January and spent four weeks looking into the origins of the outbreak, was limited to visits organised by their Chinese hosts and prevented from contact with community members, due to health restrictions. The first two weeks were spent in hotel quarantine.

Britain reiterates US 'concerns' and 'criticism' over WHO COVID-19 mission to China

WHO Director-General&nbsp;Tedros&nbsp;Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Saturday cautioned against relaxing restrictions that have helped curb the spread of the coronavirus&nbsp;around the world.

''Now is not the time for any country to relax measures or for any individual to let down their guard,'' he&nbsp;told a briefing.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Friday said the number of reported infections globally has declined for the fourth week in a row, and the number of deaths also fell for the second consecutive week.

While the figures reported by countries to the WHO for the week ending Feb 8 are still incomplete, the global body said so far about 1.9 million newly confirmed cases were registered worldwide, down from more than 3.2 million the previous week.

Tedros said members of a WHO expert mission who recently visited China to investigate the possible source of the outbreak would publish a summary of their findings next week.

Chinese scientists and the WHO's team of international researchers said this week that the coronavirus most likely first appeared in humans after jumping from an animal, and an alternate theory that the virus leaked from a Chinese lab was unlikely.

The mission has said its main hypotheses are that the virus originated in a bat, although there are several possible scenarios for how it passed to humans, possibly first by infecting another species of animal.

Peter Ben Embarek, the leader of the WHO mission, said Friday the labs in Wuhan that his team visited stated they had not been working with the virus that causes COVID-19 or had it in their collections before the outbreak. But he said it was possible the virus could still be present in samples that haven't yet been analysed.

He said the team had gained a much better insight into the early stages of the outbreak and concluded there was no large cluster of the disease in Wuhan or elsewhere around the city in the months prior to the first cases in December 2019.&nbsp;

The former administration of US&nbsp;President Donald Trump, which left office last month, said it believed the virus may have escaped from a lab in the Chinese city of Wuhan. China has strongly denied this and says the Wuhan Institute of Virology was not studying related viruses.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Saturday cautioned against relaxing restrictions that have helped curb the spread of the coronavirus around the world.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Saturday cautioned against relaxing restrictions that have helped curb the spread of the coronavirus around the world. ''Now is not the time for any country to relax measures or for any individual to let down their guard,'' he told a briefing. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Friday said the number of reported infections globally has declined for the fourth week in a row, and the number of deaths also fell for the second consecutive week. While the figures reported by countries to the WHO for the week ending Feb 8 are still incomplete, the global body said so far about 1.9 million newly confirmed cases were registered worldwide, down from more than 3.2 million the previous week. Tedros said members of a WHO expert mission who recently visited China to investigate the possible source of the outbreak would publish a summary of their findings next week. Chinese scientists and the WHO's team of international researchers said this week that the coronavirus most likely first appeared in humans after jumping from an animal, and an alternate theory that the virus leaked from a Chinese lab was unlikely. The mission has said its main hypotheses are that the virus originated in a bat, although there are several possible scenarios for how it passed to humans, possibly first by infecting another species of animal. Peter Ben Embarek, the leader of the WHO mission, said Friday the labs in Wuhan that his team visited stated they had not been working with the virus that causes COVID-19 or had it in their collections before the outbreak. But he said it was possible the virus could still be present in samples that haven't yet been analysed. He said the team had gained a much better insight into the early stages of the outbreak and concluded there was no large cluster of the disease in Wuhan or elsewhere around the city in the months prior to the first cases in December 2019. The former administration of US President Donald Trump, which left office last month, said it believed the virus may have escaped from a lab in the Chinese city of Wuhan. China has strongly denied this and says the Wuhan Institute of Virology was not studying related viruses.

WHO chief warns of complacency as global virus cases drop

The UK variant of the Wuhan virus is spreading fast in the US - with infections doubling every 10 days. It is now being called 'the variant of concern'. Scientists say the UK variant could become the world's dominant strain.

Gravitas: This variant of the Wuhan virus could spread worldwide

A member of the special WHO mission to China said on Wednesday that US intelligence on the origin of the coronavirus was not reliable.

U.S. to conduct independent review of W.H.O data from Wuhan

As the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-says-do-not-dismiss-astrazeneca-jab-after-south-africa-suspends-vaccine-campaign-362289">World Health Health Organization</a>(WHO) folded its work in Wuhan over&nbsp;the investigation&nbsp;of the origin of coronavirus, Liang Wannian, head of the expert panel of COVID-19 response of China National Health Commission said that coronavirus animal source has not yet been identified.

"There is no indication of COVID-19 virus in Wuhan before December 2019," Wannian said.

Wannian informed that the WHO secretariat and the government of China had together established a multi-disciplinary team to conduct the tracing of the origins of COVID-19.

Liang Wannian said that China has been cooperating with the UN health body while conducting the joint research. The official said that WHO and China had begun the groundwork to identify the origin of the virus in July last year.

"As most emergent viruses originate from animals, understanding the process needs deep research on emergence from an animal reservoir, infection from animals to humans and the factors contributing to human-to-human infection," Wannian stated.

Wannian added that the international team of WHO experts were given detailed information on the virus with the study of animal habitat being undertaken during the investigation.

"We have also conducted research in 33 health institutions in Wuhan for recognising acute respiratory, influenza-like illness before December 2019."

"We have also reviewed the testing of the blood obtained from the blood bank and also tested antibodies, followed by multidisciplinary health protocols with none corresponding to SARS-COV," Wannian said.

As the World Health Health Organization(WHO) folded its work in Wuhan over the investigation of the origin of coronavirus, Liang Wannian, head of the expert panel of COVID-19 response of China National Health Commission said that coronavirus animal source has not yet been identified.

As the World Health Health Organization(WHO) folded its work in Wuhan over the investigation of the origin of coronavirus, Liang Wannian, head of the expert panel of COVID-19 response of China National Health Commission said that coronavirus animal source has not yet been identified. "There is no indication of COVID-19 virus in Wuhan before December 2019," Wannian said. Wannian informed that the WHO secretariat and the government of China had together established a multi-disciplinary team to conduct the tracing of the origins of COVID-19. Liang Wannian said that China has been cooperating with the UN health body while conducting the joint research. The official said that WHO and China had begun the groundwork to identify the origin of the virus in July last year. "As most emergent viruses originate from animals, understanding the process needs deep research on emergence from an animal reservoir, infection from animals to humans and the factors contributing to human-to-human infection," Wannian stated. Wannian added that the international team of WHO experts were given detailed information on the virus with the study of animal habitat being undertaken during the investigation. "We have also conducted research in 33 health institutions in Wuhan for recognising acute respiratory, influenza-like illness before December 2019." "We have also reviewed the testing of the blood obtained from the blood bank and also tested antibodies, followed by multidisciplinary health protocols with none corresponding to SARS-COV," Wannian said.

Coronavirus animal source not yet identified, says WHO mission in Wuhan

A team of investigators led by the World Health Organisation (WHO) that visited Wuhan in the search for clues about the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic is expected to leave China on Wednesday (February 10).

But before that, it is expected to hold a press conference to silence its critics.

Even before the investigation began, this team has been at the receiving end of global criticism -- especially when the world found out how China has been dictating the terms for the probe.

And how the investigators were depending on data shared by Chinese authorities.

A week ago, new US President Joe Biden also expressed doubts over the probe. And US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Beijing hasn't been forthcoming.

The Biden administration has declared it will not accept the investigation report on face value, and will evaluate the facts with allies.

The WHO has taken strong offence to America's stand.

Michael Ryan, executive director of WHO health emergencies programme, said, "Many people externally are making references to the fact that they won't accept the report when it comes out or the report is already not a report they will accept or that there's other intelligence available that may show different findings."

"If you have the answers, if you think you have some answers, please let us know. We have had this here before, at this very press conference, people making allusions to intelligence that was available that had the answers - that was never provided."

That message was for the US -- a demand to share any contradictory proof -- even when the WHO team is itself not confident of finding any answers anytime soon.

Microbiologist and infectious disease expert Dominic Dwyer is also in Wuhan. He is a member of the WHO probe team.

Dwyer believes it could take years before the world gets any answers about the origins of the virus.

"So, you know, there's short term things, which is reviewing really what we know right now and bringing all that data together, and then there's going to be a series of sort of longer term projects, as I said this could take some years."

What can we say? Only time will tell.

A team of investigators led by the World Health Organisation (WHO) that visited Wuhan in the search for clues about the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic is expected to leave China on Wednesday (February 10).

A team of investigators led by the World Health Organisation (WHO) that visited Wuhan in the search for clues about the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic is expected to leave China on Wednesday (February 10). But before that, it is expected to hold a press conference to silence its critics. Even before the investigation began, this team has been at the receiving end of global criticism -- especially when the world found out how China has been dictating the terms for the probe. And how the investigators were depending on data shared by Chinese authorities. A week ago, new US President Joe Biden also expressed doubts over the probe. And US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Beijing hasn't been forthcoming. The Biden administration has declared it will not accept the investigation report on face value, and will evaluate the facts with allies. The WHO has taken strong offence to America's stand. Michael Ryan, executive director of WHO health emergencies programme, said, "Many people externally are making references to the fact that they won't accept the report when it comes out or the report is already not a report they will accept or that there's other intelligence available that may show different findings." "If you have the answers, if you think you have some answers, please let us know. We have had this here before, at this very press conference, people making allusions to intelligence that was available that had the answers - that was never provided." That message was for the US -- a demand to share any contradictory proof -- even when the WHO team is itself not confident of finding any answers anytime soon. Microbiologist and infectious disease expert Dominic Dwyer is also in Wuhan. He is a member of the WHO probe team. Dwyer believes it could take years before the world gets any answers about the origins of the virus. "So, you know, there's short term things, which is reviewing really what we know right now and bringing all that data together, and then there's going to be a series of sort of longer term projects, as I said this could take some years." What can we say? Only time will tell.

Joe Biden, along with the world, awaits WHO probe report on origin of coronavirus

Canada has a population of around 38 million. But it has some 200 million shots. One assessment says, it may take 7 years for the pandemic to end, if the rate of vaccination doesn't pick up.

Gravitas: It could take 7 years for the Wuhan Virus Pandemic to end

Residents in the Chinese city of Wuhan remember the "whistleblower" doctor who first sounded the alarm about the coronavirus outbreak before it received official recognition with fond memories.

Li Wenliang, an ophthalmologist at a hospital in the city, became one of the most visible figures in the early days of the outbreak in Wuhan when he tried to sound the alarm about its appearance, but was reprimanded by police for "spreading rumours."

The 34-year-old doctor's death from the virus on February 7 last year led to an outpouring of public mourning and rare expressions of anger online.

A year after his death, while people on the streets around Li's hospital say life in the city has mostly returned to its usual rhythm, they still revere him for his actions.

The origins of the virus have become highly politicised, and some Chinese diplomats and state media have thrown support behind theories that the virus potentially originated in another country.

A designer in Wuhan said he heard about Li's warning in the early days and rushed to stock up on masks before the officials spoke openly about the virus.

"The public strongly acknowledges him, and personally, I think he should receive more official honours, rather than being treated as what he did is already in the past," he said, adding the government made mistakes in the early stages, but it has handled it well since.

A World Health Organisation team is currently in Wuhan researching the early stages of the outbreak, and is preparing to present its findings, team member Dominic Dwyer told Reuters on Friday.

The team visited the sprawling Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market, thought to be where the virus first became an outbreak, which led to a pandemic that has infected over 105 million people and killed nearly 3 million worldwide. The market site has been shut to the public since the beginning of last year.

Residents in the Chinese city of Wuhan remember the "whistleblower" doctor who first sounded the alarm about the coronavirus outbreak before it received official recognition with fond memories.

Residents in the Chinese city of Wuhan remember the "whistleblower" doctor who first sounded the alarm about the coronavirus outbreak before it received official recognition with fond memories. Li Wenliang, an ophthalmologist at a hospital in the city, became one of the most visible figures in the early days of the outbreak in Wuhan when he tried to sound the alarm about its appearance, but was reprimanded by police for "spreading rumours." The 34-year-old doctor's death from the virus on February 7 last year led to an outpouring of public mourning and rare expressions of anger online. A year after his death, while people on the streets around Li's hospital say life in the city has mostly returned to its usual rhythm, they still revere him for his actions. The origins of the virus have become highly politicised, and some Chinese diplomats and state media have thrown support behind theories that the virus potentially originated in another country. A designer in Wuhan said he heard about Li's warning in the early days and rushed to stock up on masks before the officials spoke openly about the virus. "The public strongly acknowledges him, and personally, I think he should receive more official honours, rather than being treated as what he did is already in the past," he said, adding the government made mistakes in the early stages, but it has handled it well since. A World Health Organisation team is currently in Wuhan researching the early stages of the outbreak, and is preparing to present its findings, team member Dominic Dwyer told Reuters on Friday. The team visited the sprawling Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market, thought to be where the virus first became an outbreak, which led to a pandemic that has infected over 105 million people and killed nearly 3 million worldwide. The market site has been shut to the public since the beginning of last year.

Wuhan residents remember coronavirus 'whistleblower' doctor a year after his death

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