The release was probably accidental, but the reaction of the Chicom government was not.
We can't have transcripts from their Politburo, but having grown up during the Cold War and having a fascination with the enemy for so long, I wouldn't be surprised if:
1. The politburo figured out early they'd not be able to contain Covid in Wuhan. It would sweep China.
so -- what to do?
2. Containment in, and to, China by locking borders and shutting down would leave China at the bottom of the economic barrel all alone, mucking up Belt and Road scheme for years.
So, what is best for China?
3. Keep quiet, allow ethnic Chinese and foreigners to spread virus until signs of spread appear elsewhere. Softly softly monkey catchee sickee.....
Why?
4. China then is joined at the bottom of the global economic barrel by every other nation on earth.
Ah, so, glasshoppah.
