DISINFO: The Chinese coronavirus is a US provocation
DISINFORMATION CASE DETAILS
  • Outlet: riafan.ru (archived)* RIA (archived)*
  • Date of publication: January 25, 2020
  • Outlet language(s): Russian
  • Reported in: Issue 181
  • Countries / regions discussed: China, US
Tags:
coronavirus Biological weapons Conspiracy theory

DISINFO: The Chinese coronavirus is a US provocation

SUMMARY

The deadly new coronavirus found in China is a US provocation. The Americans were afraid that they will not be able to overtake China economically. Such provocations are not happening the first time, it happened before with the bird flu and British beef, which “someone did not like”.

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 repeats the recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about the Lugar lab in Tbilisi, Georgia. See more here.

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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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