The timing of recent speculation around the COVID-19 lab leak theory is very “interesting” as the matter is adding extra pressure on China, among other things, says ANU Strategic and Defence Studies Centre’s Professor John Blaxland.
“This is at the time when the United States is also pressuring China over the 12-point peace plan and the prospect of China … directly supporting the Russians militarily,” Professor Blaxland told Sky News Australia.
“And there’s rumours circulating of China being prepared to backfill Russian equipment in eastern Russia to enable the Russians to relocate some of their equipment to bolster their capabilities in the war in Ukraine. “It’s not exactly clear that there’s a correlation … but certainly it is interesting the timing, that this is now adding extra pressure on China, this is coming on top of significant trade streams.”
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