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China Denies COVID-19 Lab Leak Amid Rising Tensions

2/14/2025

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Summary

Story summary

China firmly rejects accusations of leaking COVID-19 from its Wuhan lab, insisting no gain-of-function studies were ever conducted. Meanwhile, the U.S. accuses China of politicizing the virus's origins, as President Trump pushes to cut funding for risky viral research. Amid rising fears of lab leaks, demands for stricter biosecurity and independent oversight intensify.

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Story summary

China firmly rejects accusations of leaking COVID-19 from its Wuhan lab, insisting no gain-of-function studies were ever conducted. Meanwhile, the U.S. accuses China of politicizing the virus's origins, as President Trump pushes to cut funding for risky viral research. Amid rising fears of lab leaks, demands for stricter biosecurity and independent oversight intensify.