I'm very disappointed to read that most of the things which Professor Chellaney wrote about were just echoes of the many conspiracy theories found on YouTube and Facebook comments section. Surely someone of Prof. Chellaney calibre could be expected to produce something independent and evidences-based? No?



Specifically with regards to Taiwan Dec 31 "warning". Professor Chellaney, did you actually read that email Taiwan CDC's sent to WHO? In case you have not (which I think it's highly probable), let me copy & paste the content below:



"News resources today indicate that at least seven atypical pneumonia cases were reported in Wuhan, CHINA. Their health authorities replied to the media that the cases were believed not SARS; however the samples are still under examination, and cases have been isolated for treatment.



I would greatly appreciate it if you have relevant information to share with us.



Thank you very much in advance for your attention to this matter."



The statement "News resources... reported in Wuhan, CHINA" implied Taiwan CDC gotten their information from reported news in China. So, was China trying to cover-up? Did Taiwan CDC dug up this piece of "secret" through its own espionage efforts?



Nowhere in the email stated that there was human-to-human transmission and the intent of the email was to request WHO for more information. It was obviously not a warning letter.



Before I'm being accused of being a CCP protagonist by many, let me state that I'm a Singaporean, born and bred in Singapore. Like many S.E. Asians, I'm pissed by China's actions in South China Sea. But I will try my very best to stay objective and factual - that's my sole motivation for subscribing to Project Syndicate.