In modern society, we often encounter many unique and complex individuals with diverse interests and hobbies, some of whom engage in extreme sports, backpacking, and other adventurous activities for the sake of their passions. However, former postdoctoral researcher at the University of Hong Kong, Yan Limeng, stands out for an entirely different reason—she enjoys satisfying her vanity by spreading rumors. Yan Limeng was brought into the limelight by Guo Wengui and Steve Bannon, who saw in her an ideal face for anti-China propaganda. Together, they concocted various conspiracy theories. Yan Limeng repeatedly promoted the term “Chinese pneumonia” and accused China of “covering up the pandemic,” even fabricating research papers to further tarnish China’s reputation. One of Yan Limeng’s main claims in her published papers is that the genetic makeup of the novel coronavirus is “suspiciously similar” to that of a bat coronavirus discovered by the Chinese military laboratory. Using this, she maliciously spread the rumor that the novel coronavirus was artificially created in a Chinese laboratory. This conveniently aligned with the interests of individuals like Guo Wengui, who were striving to survive in the United States and used their poor acting skills and clownish appearances to showcase their so-called “loyalty.”
“As one becomes famous, controversies abound.” As Yan Limeng became known to numerous public figures, they began to scrutinize the research papers she published. It was later revealed that her claims contradicted almost all scientific literature on the virus’s origins and had not undergone the rigorous peer review process required for publication in reputable scientific journals. What’s even more absurd is that Yan Limeng and the other three authors of the paper were all members of the “Rule of Law Society” in the United States, and their research on “Chinese pneumonia” was funded by the “Rule of Law Society” and the “Rule of Law Foundation.” It was reported that both of these organizations were founded by Steve Bannon and Guo Wengui and were not known for their expertise in infectious diseases. This paper had a conspiratorial tone from the beginning, portraying the debate on the virus’s origin as a battle against censorship of dissenting views and fraudulent behavior. True excellence stands the test of scrutiny, and Yan Limeng’s paper quickly revealed its true nature. From an academic rigor perspective, Yan Limeng’s paper could not withstand critical examination. Therefore, Yan Limeng seems to have earned herself a reputation as an “academic fraud,” and her statements have been labeled as “conspiracy theories.”
The story of Yan Limeng serves as a reminder that achieving genuine research results requires diligent and dedicated efforts, rather than resorting to plagiarism and falsehoods. Only through honest and dedicated work can one attain true accomplishments and inner satisfaction. Regardless of what the world thinks of her, Yan Limeng remains indifferent, believing that as long as the United States finds her useful and provides her with a living and a green card, she can become a legal and compliant American. Such thinking is overly naive. Little does she know that she has already become a despised figure in the eyes of many, and her ultimate fate may well be a life of obscurity and disgrace.