U.S. calls for 'transparent' new investigation into COVID origins

13 Sept 11:06 Key points summarised by AI

The U.S. demands a transparent, science-based second phase of investigation into COVID-19's origins, advocating for international experts to independently assess the virus's source and early outbreak.
This call follows U.S. intelligence reviewing reports of researchers at a Chinese virology lab falling seriously ill in late 2019, prior to the first reported COVID-19 cases.
The U.S. request challenges a previous WHO-led report, co-authored with Chinese scientists, which largely dismissed a lab incident as 'extremely unlikely,' favoring animal-to-human transmission.
The World Health Organization is currently reviewing recommendations from its initial report and preparing proposals for further studies, including re-examining the laboratory incident hypothesis.

Bai Lu meet-and-greet cancelled days after China’s safety warning

Today 15:28 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's Tourism and Sports Minister announced the government will seek clarification from the Chinese Embassy regarding its recent travel advisory warning Chinese nationals about safety concerns in Thailand.
The travel advisory is anticipated to negatively impact the number of Chinese tourists visiting Thailand, despite recent increases in arrivals.
A meet-and-greet event featuring Chinese actress Bai Lu, a WeTV Global Ambassador, was abruptly cancelled just days after the Chinese Embassy issued its safety warning, though no official reason was provided.
The Chinese Embassy's advisory urged citizens to beware of job scams, fraudulent investments, suspicious travel arrangements, and the risk of illegal detention or being lured to the Thai-Myanmar border.
Chinese nationals were advised to verify job offers, use legitimate transport, avoid high-risk border areas, protect personal documents, and keep family informed of travel plans.