Investigation Into the Origins of COVID

Question 1

Background, date

Answer 1

-The Australian government was the first state to publicly call for an independent international inquiry into the outback of COVID-19 in April 2020

Question 2

Different Interpretations

Answer 2

-China labelled these claims as a “political manoeuvre” and initiated bans and tariffs on a range of Australian exports (e.g., beef, barley, etc)
-Despite this, the Australian-sponsored motion in the World Health Assembly was endorsed by over 120 member states in May 2020. All 27 European Union member states, the UK, India, Japan and Russia are among global actors who supported the motion.

Question 3

Effectiveness + National Interests

Answer 3

-Increased international standing
-Though decreased regional relationships with China (see interpretations quote and stats)

Question 4

Relative types of power, FPI

Answer 4

-Diplomatic Power
-Diplomacy FPI - Even megaphone diplomacy (conducted through press releases, pubic announcements)
-Hard-power

Question 5

Limit

Answer 5

-Whilst the movement in the World Health Assembly did generate a lot of support, it was ultimately unsuccessful and there was not an in-depth investigation into the origins of COVID as Australia had hoped