Expert Insists He's A Patriot Amid 'Wuhan Virus' Row

Prominent Hong Kong microbiologist Yuen Kwok-yung said on Thursday that no one loves China more than he does, and he is very confident the country will successfully fight the coronavirus pandemic.

The University of Hong Kong professor was speaking in an interview with Shenzhen TV following criticism over an article he co-wrote with colleague David Lung where they suggested there is nothing wrong with people calling the new illness the "Wuhan virus" because that is where it originated and the term is easy for people to understand.

They had also attacked the continuing practice on the mainland of consuming wild game, before later retracting their article.

In the interview, Yuen said that as a scientist, the most important thing for him to do is to face the truth, adding that Beijing should admit there were shortcomings in its handling of the virus outbreak. He said when the alarm was first raised over the new coronavirus, the authorities should have taken the matter seriously.

In toned-down language this time, he reiterated that people should not eat wild animals, noting that the National People’s Congress is legislating against wild game consumption.

“Theoretically, the habit can be changed if the law can be implemented. However, I can’t see any effective laws so far that can regulate the hygiene of wet markets on the mainland,” he said.

Yuen said China should be "humble" and face its shortcomings. But he also said that the coronavirus outbreak clearly shows the mainland's strong capabilities in scientific research.

“Scientists on the mainland identified the virus and carried out clinical tests on drugs in such a short time,” he said.

On Wednesday night, Yuen and Lung said they regretted any misunderstanding their piece in the Ming Pao newspaper may have caused, adding that they have no understanding of politics and their thoughts may have been expressed in the wrong way.