It is now abundantly clear China tried to cover up COVID-19 for weeks by confiscating samples and data, punishing outspoken scientists, and ordering others into silence.

The implications are profound. (Thread) https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/30/world/asia/china-coronavirus.html

First, and in the future, reverse the burden of proof for China. Instead of assuming China is innocent of a new epidemic until proven guilty, the world must assume it is guilty until proven innocent. Any hint of an outbreak in China merits full slamming of the brakes.

Second, take pandemic surveillance away from WHO, and set up a new body that is more aggressive and that has inspection powers. We have this for nuclear and it works bloody well: the IAEA. If a country refuses an inspection, again, slam the brakes.

Third, criminalize gain of function experiments in dangerous viruses. We do not need labs anywhere doing experiments to invent new pandemic viruses. But China, the USA, and Europe have all done these experiments in recent years.

Fourth, hold countries and violators legally liable for escape of dangerous viruses from their territory, if it is a result of botched or prohibited laboratory work. Take them to The Hague. Liability focuses the mind like nothing else.