China Embassy: Express Sinopharm report ‘completely a farce’ which ‘violated journalism ethics’

“[…] This most irresponsible media report has blatantly ignored plenty of the world-recognised scientific researches, distorted the facts, violated journalism ethics, created public panic and meant to undermine the resolve and actions of the Trinidad and Tobago people in their brave battle against this pandemic at this critical moment…”

The following is a media statement from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, in response to a story today by the Trinidad Express newspaper—written by investigative journalist Anna Ramdass—which questioned the ‘immunity protection’ provided by the Sinopharm vaccine:

Photo: Sinopharm is the China-made vaccine for Covid-19.
(Copyright Gettyimages)

We take note of the report on the efficacy of Chinese vaccines, with Sinopharm vaccines in specific. The conclusions of the news report are based on a crude and amateurish ‘study’ with only four samples, and thus completely a farce.

We are glad to see that the medical lab referred to in the report immediately issued a disclaimer against this report, emphasising that ‘scientific analysis and opinions should be left for professionals and those qualified to do so and must be based on facts’.

This most irresponsible media report has blatantly ignored plenty of the world-recognised scientific researches, distorted the facts, violated journalism ethics, created public panic and meant to undermine the resolve and actions of the Trinidad and Tobago people in their brave battle against this pandemic at this critical moment.

We deeply deplore and firmly oppose this media report, urge relevant parties to immediately rectify its wrong doing, take concrete measures to undo the damage, and not to move further down the wrong path.

The efficacy of Chinese vaccines has been proved by the World Health Organization and many other professional institutions. More than 100 countries worldwide have approved and administered Sinopharm vaccines and further testify its efficacy with solid research data.

Photo: Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley (left) receives his Covid-19 Sinopharm vaccine shot on 13 July 2021.
(via Office of the Prime Minister)

According to the WHO, a large multi-country Phase 3 trial has shown that two doses of COVID-19 vaccine BIBP produced by Sinopharm have an efficacy of 79% against symptomatic infection and an efficacy of 79% against hospitalisation. European Union (EU) officially issued the GMP certificate for the Sinopharm vaccine.

As the COVID-19 pandemic is still raging the world, science and vaccines are the most potent weapons against it. Trampling on human conscience and morality, disinformation as such is destructive to the fight against the pandemic.

The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China urges the media involved to act responsibly and take an objective and impartial stance on related issues.

China has provided over 1.85 billion doses of vaccines to more than 120 countries to date this year, and will supply more to contribute to the global fight against the pandemic. China remains committed to standing in solidarity with all countries,  including Trinidad and Tobago, to prevail over the pandemic.

Editor’s Note: Click HERE to read the initial report by the Trinidad Express.

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4 comments

  1. The Express literally bends backward seeking out these stories that sow chaos, division and attempts to cast this administration and its efforts in a bad light. So this ain’t surprising at all. The only problem is in this case they trying to punch way above their weight category.

  2. Well, Trini media “journalism” is shit we know, so….

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