Chinese scientists have had a long time to create an alternate plausible situation to distract any blame.
Yes, they have. No matter how this turns out, the reality is that NIH funding of gain of function research (in this country as well as in China) was dangerous and based upon very thin scientific rationalization. Further, that China essentially 'locked' their own citizens in Wuhan, but allowed foreign travel is AT BEST gross negligence and irresponsibility. AT BEST. A more nefarious explanation is certainly possible.