That's your definition, it doesn't meet the definition of the words nor my definition.

By performing gain-of-function research, this particular virus would not have existed by itself. Ergo, the Chinese lab created the virus.

Making any modification to the virus' function means you are the subsequent creator of it. Nature has nothing to do with it once you've got it in a lab and start messing around with it.

"Chinese created" does not mean "Chinese weaponised". There's no evidence nor suggestion that this was deliberate or even that the gain-of-function research was for nefarious purposes. To suggest otherwise is to strawman.

I'm aware and I agree with you, I'm just saying that in the eyes of the general public that's the notion going around.