In April 2020, when most of Europe was on quarantine, a plane arrived in the capital of Serbia, Belgrade, with a gift from China. On board was a mobile laboratory called Fire-Eye, an invention from China that allows for the detection of the coronavirus through genetic fragments.
However, the Serbs soon discovered that the Fire-Eye laboratory had another function. The laboratory was capable of deciphering not only the genetic code of viruses but also that of humans. By the end of 2021, despite the ongoing pandemic, Serbia announced plans to transform this laboratory into a permanent center for collecting and analyzing the genomes of Serbian citizens.
During the pandemic, the Fire-Eye laboratory quickly spread around the world. China either donated or sold these laboratories to more than 20 countries across four continents. Some of these laboratories, including the one in Serbia, are now operating as permanent centers for genetic research.
According to Western intelligence services, China’s generosity in providing these laboratories is part of a global campaign to collect valuable human genetic data. These efforts to collect genetic data have been ongoing for more than 10 years and have included the acquisition of American genetic companies and hacking attacks. The coronavirus pandemic provided China with an opportunity to expand its laboratory presence and establish partnerships in countries where Beijing previously had limited access.
The representative of the Chinese Embassy in Washington has denied allegations of illegal collection of genetic data. He stated that the Fire-Eye laboratories have helped many countries in their fight against the pandemic and continue to play an important role in cancer testing. The manufacturer of Fire-Eye, BGI, also stated that it does not have access to the data from the Serbian laboratory.
However, it is worth noting that BGI was selected by Beijing to create the National Genetic Bank of China, which receives data from millions of people worldwide. In 2021, US intelligence services identified BGI as part of the Chinese campaign to collect human DNA, including in the United States.
According to former US intelligence officer Anna Pugoglisi, China views genetic data as the key to economic and strategic dominance. Puglisi noted, “He who is the first to fully understand the possibilities of genetics will gain immense power.” While there is currently no evidence of China using foreign DNA for purposes other than scientific research, Beijing’s actions have raised concerns in the West.