[EternalHope]

I guess what you are saying is that on your "plane" your ideas make sense, but not on mine. Very oriental, but I suppose it could explain the difference in conclusions.

I agree (generally) with your comments about "other factors". However, I see them as necessary only because the front line defenses in China failed, letting SARS loose into the general population.

Your general comments about Chinese back woods technology are ridiculous. Any nation that can build nuclear weapons can also handle bio-engineering. The Chinese were not that far behind Canada in sequencing the SARS genome. If you are trying to defend China against charges of an escaped man-made virus, then you need a better argument.

[_Jim]

Any nation that can build nuclear weapons can also handle bio-engineering.

YOU overlook my point - you DON'T build these facilities out of 'vapor' - it takes PEOPLE and BUILDINGS and LAB EQUIPMENT and INFRASTRUCTURE (electric utilites to the building, roads for the lab workers and water and sewage service) -

- SOMEWHERE (if the 'tin foil' theories are correct) THESE facilities exist and the *people* in the area *know* about it. Think about the buildings, the factories in YOUR area - for the most part you *know* what these places produce - how much more so do you think the intelligence agencies *know* these things (THEY can track shipment of critical 'gear' from manufactures as would be USED in such labs) -

- PLUS, a LOT of this automated, sophisticated 'lab gear' requires constant maintenance (Field Service) and this service comes from the competent service personnel direct from the factory - follow the trail of personnel and you're 'one up' on what-is-where ...

(And YOU only thought your office's Xerox copier had factory service and support!)