CHINA’S leader could be overthrown if scientists proved Covid escaped from a Wuhan lab, a health chief has claimed.
Rumours the deadly virus leaked from the Wuhan Institute of Virology have swirled since the crisis began.
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But if evidence for the claims was ever found, Xi Jinping could be toppled and world leaders would demand unprecedented reparations, a leading World Health Organisation (WHO) adviser says.
Jamie Metzl spoke days after it was revealed British spies are looking into the theory – and consider it “feasible”.
He told LBC: “In China, if it was absolutely proven, I think there is a real chance Xi Jinping could be overthrown.
“There would be claims for reparations around the world against China.
“It would be a massive geopolitical blow to that country.
“Just think of the anger of everyone around the world who has lost a spouse, a child, parents, would feel.
“Not just at the original mistake, but the criminal cover-up afterwards.”
Presenter Maajid Nawaz said the “consequences are incredibly serious” for the Chinese regime if evidence is found.
“The entire planet for the first time in history has been locked down because of this thing,” he said.
The move from British intelligence services to step up research into the lab leak claims has sparked a sharpening of tension with Beijing.
And last week US President Joe Biden ordered an inquiry into the origin of the virus.
Beijing has repeatedly denied that the Wuhan Institute of Virology is the source of Covid, which has so far claimed more than 3.5 million deaths.
