No, it’s not the “Western media”. It’s the FBI with intelligence that the NIH (National Institute of Health) now reluctantly admits, having at the height of the pandemic, been robustly covering up for China! Are the folks who characterise “Western media” as homogenous institution that makes money out of smearing China aware of the reality on the ground. There are more than a few Western institutions, media included that are not just complicit, but would actually fight tooth and nail to defend China. America has an enemy within.
Of course, back then, there were still substantial commercial interests which would be jeopardised if America dared to offend China. Things have changed now. Hopefully, there will be more people coming out to speak the truth.