Why are we even picking 'sides' in what should be an objective scientific investigation? Who actually benefits from politicizing a virus's origin? The only winners in this false dichotomy are those who profit from keeping us divided - while the truth, and our ability to prevent future pandemics, gets lost in the noise.

There may be non-empirical factors. For example, a lab-leak theory may give the US propaganda leverage over China in any non-kinetic conflict. It's not like the CIA is beyond shading its answers based on the political climate.