Xi calls to unite to fight COVID
2023.01.01 04:23
Xi calls to unite to fight COVID
Budrigannews.com – In his first remarks to the public on COVID-19 since his government changed course three weeks ago and relaxed its strict policy of lockdowns and mass testing, Chinese President Xi Jinping called for more effort and unity as the country enters a “new phase” in its approach to fighting the pandemic.
Xi said that China had overcome unprecedented difficulties and challenges in the fight against COVID-19 in a televised New Year’s speech. He also said that China’s policies were “optimized” when the situation and time required it.
Xi stated, “Since the outbreak of the epidemic… the majority of cadres and masses, particularly medical personnel and grassroots workers braved hardships and courageously persevered.”
“The prevention and control of the epidemic is entering a new phase right now; it is still a difficult time, but everyone is persevering and working hard, and the dawn is coming.” Work harder; perseverance results in victory, and unity results in victory.”
Beijing ended its nearly three-year-old signature zero-COVID strategy of mass testing, centralized quarantine, and lockdowns earlier this month.
The change in policy has resulted in a rash of infections throughout the nation, a further decline in economic activity, and international concern. Britain and France are the latest nations to restrict travel from China.
China’s abandonment of the zero-COVID policy placed it in line with a world that has largely resumed its acceptance of the virus.
The move came in the wake of unprecedented public protests against the policy that Xi had pushed. It was Xi’s biggest show of public defiance in his decade in office and came as the $17 trillion Chinese economy was experiencing bleak growth numbers.
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