Wuhan local here. I think Jamie made a really solid case for his belief on the Lab Leak theory, but I also happen to believe that the global synergy in twisting the story and denying the leak is not necessarily out of consensus, but of necessity / preference. <br><br>Due to recent escalations in the Taiwan Strait, the Chinese and the Taiwanese share a sentiment that the idea of "One Country Two Systems" are becoming increasingly unpopular, barring its 40+-year existence in the public discourse. But the two sides follow their own logic: The Chinese see the idea as being too lenient and enabling to the Taiwanese, and the Taiwanese did not like the idea of an authoritarian government chipping away at their perceived freedom. The rationales are at odds, but the consensus is nevertheless being made here. <br><br>By the same token, I believe that it'd be better if no governments OFFICIALLY reckon with the lab leak theory, because it'd work in the favor of all governments, barring their own reasoning and calculation.,(reply>), you're absolutely right. governments the world over are trending towards authoritarianism... barely any country truly has freedom of speech anymore and the internet has been sanitized and censored. It doesnt help any governments to inflame tensions in pursuit of accountability. they'd all love to just be able to do whatever they want and not get caught