zlacker

>>datafl+(OP)
We don't want to know. That may sound a bit glib but I think it's true. What would be the reaction if we could determine the outbreak was due to an unintentional leak? China cannot reimburse the world for the economic damage covid has caused. It cannot be held accountable for all the lives that have been lost. It cannot compensate the world for the diminished quality of life we've all suffered. But there will be plenty of calls for China to do all of that. If covid is the result of Chinese negligence, the reaction and conflict across the planet over what to do about it is going to be absolutely terrible.

And let's not even begin to think what will happen if there were to be evidence that this was an intentional release.

>>Mounta+Ud
China can't reimburse the world. You're right. But China is poised for economic hegemony in large parts of the world and has an alarmingly authoritarian government with disregard for human rights. Their handling of COVID ought to be a reason for countries to push back against their attempts at hegemony.

And before anyone accuses me of racism: I am speaking about the Chinese government, not Chinese people, who are the first victims of the government.