A fig leaf for lies: 'Enormous evidence' that can't be shared

Editor's note: Ge Anna is a reporter with China Plus. The article reflects the author's own opinions, and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

U.S. President Donald Trump and his hand-picked Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, have repeated the claim that COVID-19 originated from a Chinese laboratory, citing that they "have proof" and "enormous evidence".

However, the evidence was never revealed. In fact, the U.S. intelligence community has specifically stated that the new coronavirus was not man-made and the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, which includes the U.S.' closest allies, agrees that there is no such evidence.

With mounting domestic pressure on the inadequate responses to the pandemic and nationwide social unrest calling for elimination of racism, one might think these politicians should cease the baseless accusations against other nations and focus upon tidying up their own issues.

Last week, U.S. Senator Rick Scott, who has been a staunch supporter of Trump, claimed, "We have got to get this vaccine done. Unfortunately, we have evidence that Communist China is trying to sabotage us or slow it down." When pressed for concrete evidence, the senator replied, "There are things I can't discuss... I get provided information."

A swab to be used for testing novel coronavirus is seen in the supplies of Harborview Medical Center's home assessment team, Seattle, Washington, U.S., February 29, 2020. /Reuters

Seriously, Senator? Your comment really doesn't seem trustworthy coming just days after Trump publicly admitted during a Twitter fight with former Secretary of State Colin Powell that the U.S. had gone to war with Iraq based on fabricated intelligence. However, your point is difficult to refute since you have access to information that the public would never have.

Citing evidence from intelligence agencies that cannot be publicly shared is a convenient, yet cheap, way of playing political games. The fig leaf of "classified intelligence" should not be a free pass for lies and irresponsible accusations. When you say you have evidence, you had better provide it—otherwise you are putting your credibility with the public at risk.

In times of great domestic turbulence, U.S. citizens have greater expectations for their intelligence agencies and the government at large: save lives, solve racism for good, and return life to normal. Unfortunately, some politicians seem only interested in fanning the flames and not solving the real issues affecting their people.

(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at [email protected])