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WHO Calls on China for Transparency in COVID-19 Origins, Five Years After Pandemic Began
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reiterated its call for China to share critical data on the origins of COVID-19, marking five years since the pandemic’s first known cases emerged in Wuhan.
On December 31, 2019, the WHO’s China office reported a cluster of pneumonia cases in Wuhan, later identified as a novel coronavirus. Despite a lockdown imposed on the city of 11 million in January 2020, the virus had already spread globally, setting off a pandemic that claimed over seven million lives, overwhelmed healthcare systems, and devastated economies.
While much of the world has moved beyond pandemic-era restrictions, the origins of the virus remain an unresolved mystery. The lack of clarity has fueled scientific debate and geopolitical tension, with experts criticizing China for withholding crucial data.
“Understanding the origins of COVID-19 is a moral and scientific imperative,” the WHO said in a statement on Monday. “Without transparency, sharing, and cooperation among countries, the world cannot adequately prevent and prepare for future epidemics and pandemics.”
China has repeatedly defended its handling of the pandemic and the transparency of its data. Mao Ning, a spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry, stated Tuesday that China has actively supported global efforts to trace the virus’s origins and rejected accusations of political manipulation.
“China has shared the most data and research results on COVID-19 origin tracing and has made the greatest contribution to global research,” Mao asserted.
The origins of the virus remain hotly debated. Many scientists support the theory of a natural spillover, suggesting the virus jumped from infected animals to humans, possibly at Wuhan’s Huanan Seafood Market. However, some researchers endorse the lab-leak hypothesis, which posits the virus may have accidentally escaped from a research facility near the market.
Tensions surrounding the investigation have persisted since the pandemic’s early days. Western nations, including the United States, have accused China of withholding vital information, allegations Beijing denies. WHO officials have also criticized China for limiting access to data, with one official in 2023 calling the lack of disclosure “simply inexcusable.”
In 2023, WHO gained access to genetic sequences from samples collected at the Huanan market in early 2020. These sequences, later analyzed in the journal Cell, revealed the presence of coronavirus-susceptible animals in a specific market section but did not confirm direct animal-to-human transmission.
Reflecting on the pandemic’s impact, the WHO called for renewed commitment to learning from COVID-19. “As we mark this milestone, let’s honor lives lost, support those suffering from long COVID, and express gratitude to health workers who sacrificed so much,” the statement read.
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Europe Forms ‘Coalition of the Willing’ to Support Ukraine Amid Uncertainty Over U.S. Role
European leaders have officially launched the “Coalition of the Willing,” a multinational effort led by the United Kingdom and France to support Ukraine in its ongoing war with Russia. The coalition, formed in response to shifting global diplomacy and concerns over Russia’s expansionist agenda, aims to ensure Ukraine’s sovereignty and prevent further escalation in the region.
A Response to Trump-Putin Negotiations
The formation of the coalition gained urgency following a surprise phone call between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 12. The call, which took place without prior consultation with European allies, raised alarms across the continent, prompting European leaders to take a more proactive role in shaping the future of the conflict.
Since then, multiple high-level summits have been held, with French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer spearheading the initiative. “Our goal is clear: to secure peace,” Macron stated. “To do this, we must put Ukraine in the best possible position to negotiate and ensure a lasting peace for all Europeans.”
Who Is Part of the Coalition?
The coalition has grown rapidly, now including 33 delegations from across Europe and beyond. Leaders from Germany, Italy, Spain, Poland, Sweden, and other EU nations have joined, alongside representatives from NATO and the European Commission. Notably, Turkey, Australia, and Canada have also taken part in discussions.
However, some key countries remain absent. Austria and Malta have declined participation due to their neutral status, while Hungary and Slovakia, both NATO members, have resisted military support for Ukraine. The United States has not formally joined the coalition, though European leaders remain hopeful that Washington will provide some form of assistance, particularly in intelligence sharing and air defense.
Key Objectives of the Coalition
The coalition has outlined three main areas of focus:
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Military Support for Ukraine – European nations have pledged continued military aid, including artillery, air defense systems, drones, and training programs to strengthen Ukraine’s armed forces.
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Deployment of a ‘Reassurance Force’ – A new security force, composed of Western troops, will be stationed in Ukraine at key locations such as cities, ports, and power plants. The goal is to deter Russian aggression rather than engage in frontline combat. France and the UK have already committed soldiers, with Sweden, Denmark, and Belgium considering participation.
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Strengthening European Defense Capabilities – The European Commission has proposed an €800 billion investment plan to enhance Europe’s defense industry, with Ukraine set to benefit from these funds.
Uncertainty Over U.S. Involvement
While European leaders have made diplomatic efforts to engage the U.S., there is little clarity on whether Washington will actively support the coalition. Trump’s administration has hinted at reducing American troop presence in Europe, raising concerns about long-term transatlantic security commitments.
Despite this, Starmer remains optimistic. “This is a force designed to deter and send a message to Putin that this peace deal will be defended,” he stated.
Next Steps
The coalition is now working to finalize details of the reassurance force, including troop numbers, locations, and operational structures. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has invited military representatives to Kyiv to begin planning, with a follow-up summit expected in the coming weeks.
With Europe taking the lead, the coalition marks a significant shift in the West’s approach to the war, signaling that European nations are prepared to act independently if necessary to safeguard Ukraine’s future.
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