The probability is that Biden ordered the lab origin probe not because he wanted to, but in order to anticipate developments and revelations he felt were inevitable. Joe doesn’t desire confrontation with China, he seeks to soften it by getting control of the fact-finding process.
China warns the US over Biden-ordered probe into Wuhan lab leak theory
China has accused Joe Biden of ‘arrogance’ and a dangerous provocation by launching an investigation into the Wuhan lab (inset, and left, Chinese President Xi Jinping).
By acting aggrieved and testy China is reinforcing the message that talking about the lab leak will lead to dire, perhaps uncontrollable consequences. It is playing the same game of intimidation that worked so well with WHO.
Close up on Joe. Then Xi. Then back to Joe. It’s showdown time. Or will Joe walk away?