CIA Now Leans Toward COVID-19 Lab Leak Theory

The agency's latest assessment concludes a lab origin is more likely than natural transmission, though confidence in the finding remains low.

The CIA has issued a new assessment stating that the COVID-19 pandemic most likely originated from a laboratory leak in Wuhan, China, rather than natural transmission, though the agency assigns 'low confidence' to this conclusion.
The assessment is based on a closer analysis of existing intelligence rather than new evidence, with both lab-related and natural origin scenarios still deemed plausible.
The report was declassified and released by newly appointed CIA Director John Ratcliffe, who has prioritized transparency on the virus's origins.
China has rejected the lab leak theory, calling it politically motivated and lacking in credibility, while urging respect for science and facts.
The debate over COVID-19's origins continues to have significant geopolitical implications, including strained U.S.-China relations and the global approach to pandemic prevention.