As Ebola continues to spread in East Africa, the United States is not as involved as it was in past outbreaks. This situation positions China, known for its economic strength and proficiency in epidemic control and biotechnology, as a key player in the global effort to combat the virus.

In Mongbwalu, a town in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the epicenter of the crisis, there is an urgent need for treatment centers equipped with essential resources. The scarcity of testing has hindered efforts to contain the spread of the Bundibugyo virus, which has no approved vaccine or treatment options.

Despite China’s substantial investments in the region, questions remain about its willingness to take decisive action in what could become the deadliest Ebola outbreak. With the U.S. reducing its role compared to its previous emergency responses, there is less pressure on China to take on a significant leadership role. The situation is further complicated by Beijing’s typical cautious approach.

Bradley Parks, the executive director of AidData, a research lab at William & Mary, stated, “Now we are in this moment of truth.” He emphasized the crucial decision facing China: whether to allow a leadership gap or to actively participate in addressing the crisis. “We just don’t know if they have the appetite to step into a leadership role,” he remarked.

This week, China made an initial move by dispatching a team of five medical experts to Kinshasa, the capital of Congo. This city lies over 1,000 miles from the outbreak’s center, representing a cautious yet important step by China.