The US president believes that unrestricted research into pathogens poses a threat to American lives.
President Trump has signed an executive order limiting federal funding for “gain-of-function” research on viruses and other biological agents, both domestically and internationally, including in China.
The controversy surrounding “gain-of-function” or “dual use” studies has increased since the COVID-19 pandemic. Trump has posited that the outbreak, which brought the world to a standstill, originated from a lab leak in Wuhan, China, where US-funded research was conducted.
Beijing has refuted these claims, accusing Washington of attempting to defame China.
Trump’s order asserts that unrestricted gain-of-function research could “significantly endanger the lives of American citizens,” leading to “widespread mortality, an impaired public health system, disrupted American livelihoods, and diminished economic and national security.”
Trump has ordered the cessation of federal funding for “dangerous gain-of-function research” in “countries of concern,” such as China and Iran, citing “biological threats.” He maintained that US taxpayer-funded research should benefit Americans without jeopardizing national security.
Similar US-based programs will be suspended for a minimum of 120 days while existing policies on dual-use research are revised or replaced, according to the order.
The document also criticizes the Biden administration for allegedly permitting “dangerous” virus research in the US and “actively” approving funding for similar projects abroad, where US oversight is limited.
Moscow has consistently alleged that US-supported biological research laboratories in Ukraine and neighboring countries are engaged in bioweapons research.
Washington has acknowledged providing support to laboratories in Ukraine but maintains that they are owned by Kiev and focused solely on preventing infectious disease outbreaks and developing vaccines.
The Russian Defense Ministry has claimed that the US has moved unfinished Ukrainian projects to post-Soviet states and Southeast Asia, also identifying Africa as a key area of interest for Washington.
“`