Anthony Fauci Photo: AFP

Because of their anti-China stance, US elites have festered further in morality. Even figures like Dr. Anthony Fauci, a top expert in public health, have echoed their opinion war against China. Fauci said that he is no longer convinced that the COVID-19 pandemic originated naturally. He added, "I think we should continue to investigate what went on in China until we continue to find out to the best of our ability what happened," according to media reports. Fauci attempted to hype the old and groundless narrative that the virus was leaked from a lab in Wuhan. It is noticeable that a day before Fauci made the statement, the Wall Street Journal published a so-called "exclusive report." It said "Three researchers from China's Wuhan Institute of Virology became sick enough in November 2019 that they sought hospital care." It also reported that several researchers at the lab became sick in autumn 2019 "with symptoms consistent with both Covid-19 and common seasonal illness." This is a blatant lie, a conspiracy created by US intelligence agencies and the media outlet to slander China, and China has denied it. Is it a coincidence that Fauci repeated such lines?

In general, US elites are increasingly betraying their conscience. Fauci says ambiguously, but he knows he is fanning a huge lie against China. Rumors and slander against China can be seen everywhere in the US media, and politicians lie about China without any bottom line. They argue that the WHO cannot be trusted, let alone the scientists and doctors who have made great achievements in China's fight against the epidemic. And they themselves have become "judges" of the truth.

In terms of expertise and influence, American experts such as Fauci can hardly match Chinese top experts. First, among American experts, there is no expert like Zhong Nanshan who can give a decisive assessment of the country's epidemic situation. American experts are weaker than their Chinese counterparts in understanding the epidemic and influencing the anti-virus fight. 

Second, American experts have shown more interest in participating in political and ideological struggles than Chinese scientists. They have promoted politicizing the epidemic through actions such as talking to media and collective signature. Their professional level and attention are not as good as that of Chinese scientists. 

The world has really changed. Many people and things of the US that we saw as examples in the past have been gradually losing their halo, with their real mediocre quality being exposed. To be honest, I wish they can continue to be examples, but they failed to perform up to standard. Their moral and professional standards do not match their reputation.

The author is editor-in-chief of the Global Times. opinion@globaltimes.com.cn