A few prominent researchers associated with the development of COVID-19 vaccines in China have died unexpectedly at an age much younger than China’s average.
In light of their causes of death being largely unknown, heated discussions on Chinese social media have bloomed.
Zeng Bing, a notable researcher and vice president of China’s state-owned COVID-19 vaccine developer China National Pharmaceutical Group (Sinopharm), passed away at the age of 52. According to local media, Zeng, who was also the vice mayor of the city of Dalian since June 24, died from “sudden illness” on July 23.
Zhao Zhendong, Director of Science and Technology at the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, passed away on Sept. 17, 2020, at the age of 53. According to a death announcement by Chinese media The Paper on Nov. 30—nearly three months later—Zhao had suffered from “excessive fatigue” and collapsed at the Beijing Capital International Airport on the night of Sept. 16 and passed away the following morning….