DISINFO: Coronavirus is used against Russia and China
SUMMARY
Everything that happens with the coronavirus is used for competitive purposes against both Russia and, in the first place, against the Chinese.
RESPONSE
Conspiracy theory. A recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative alleging that the new coronavirus is a tool of warfare against China and Russia.
There is no evidence to suggest that the novel coronavirus 2019-nCoV is used as a weapon against other states. Many countries have so far been affected by the new virus. As of February 7, there were 28 countries affected by the new disease with almost 40,000 cases confirmed. The biggest number of infected people were detected in China, Japan and Singapore.
The World Health Organisation is working with Chinese authorities and global experts to learn more about the virus. The virus comes from the same family that includes the common cold, and viruses such as SARS and MERS.
Read previous disinformation narratives alleging that Emergence of coronavirus is not accidental and has economic goals, Coronavirus is a US provocation against China, The coronavirus is a biological weapon created by the UK, and A new Chinese coronavirus was likely elaborated in NATO biolabs.