DISINFO: Coronavirus might be a biological weapon
DISINFORMATION CASE DETAILS
  • Outlet: 5-tv.ru (archived)*
  • Date of publication: January 25, 2020
  • Outlet language(s): Russian
  • Reported in: Issue 181
  • Countries / regions discussed: China, US
Tags:
coronavirus Biological weapons

DISINFO: Coronavirus might be a biological weapon

SUMMARY

It is not a coincidence that are now hearing that the new coronavirus is artificially made and is a biological weapon.

2 years ago Wuhan university opened a high-security biological lab, that researched the most dangerous pathogens in the world. It is possible that the virus escaped the lab. But even more likely version is that the virus was brought from the outside. American corporations stand to gain from the virus. America itself could benefit, the US is the only country that has 400 military biological labs, not only around Russia, but also around China.

RESPONSE

Conspiracy theory. This is a pro-Kremlin narrative about the China coronavirus.

In response to the outbreak of the corona virus the Chinese authorities have placed more than a dozen cities under quarantine. The World Health Organisation is working with Chinese authorities and global experts to learn more about the virus. The virus "2019-nCoV” comes from a family of viruses that include the common cold, and viruses such as SARS and MERS. There is no evidence to suggest it was developed artificially as a weapon of mass destruction.

The conspiracy theory also refers the recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narratives about US military biological labs circling Russia. See disinformation examples related to the Lugar lab in Tbilisi, Georgia.

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Disclaimer

Cases in the EUvsDisinfo database focus on messages in the international information space that are identified as providing a partial, distorted, or false depiction of reality and spread key pro-Kremlin messages. This does not necessarily imply, however, that a given outlet is linked to the Kremlin or editorially pro-Kremlin, or that it has intentionally sought to disinform. EUvsDisinfo publications do not represent an official EU position, as the information and opinions expressed are based on media reporting and analysis of the East Stratcom Task Force.

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