New COVID-19 Cases in China Surpass 10,000... Xi Jinping Emphasizes "Firm Implementation of Zero-COVID Policy"

Surpassing 10,000 for the First Time Since Late April
President Xi Directly Chairs Meeting: "There Must Be No Impact on Economic Development"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Kim Hyunjung] As the number of new COVID-19 cases in China surpassed 10,000, President Xi Jinping reiterated his firm commitment to enforcing the 'Zero-COVID' policy. However, he emphasized correcting the uniform epidemic prevention practices of widespread lockdowns or quarantines and ensuring that economic development is not adversely affected.

According to the National Health Commission of China on the 11th, the number of new COVID-19 cases reported across all 31 provinces from midnight to midnight the previous day reached 10,535 (9,385 asymptomatic cases). Until the end of last month, new cases had been controlled in the 2,000 range, but they sharply increased this month, surpassing 10,000 again for the first time since April 28 (10,463 cases). In the capital Beijing, 114 new cases were confirmed, the highest in over a year.

The top leadership of the Communist Party and local governments are tightening their vigilance. President Xi personally chaired a COVID-19 related meeting the day before and, after receiving related reports, reaffirmed his stance to enforce the 'Zero-COVID' policy. According to local media such as Xinhua News Agency, after the meeting, the Standing Committee of the Communist Party Central Political Bureau announced, "We must firmly implement the overall policy of dynamic zero-COVID and efficiently coordinate COVID-19 prevention and control with economic and social development," while unveiling 20 measures to optimize policies.

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

However, it was also clearly stated that excessive epidemic prevention should not cause problems for economic activities or the safety and health of the people. The Standing Committee explained, "We must protect people's lives and health to the greatest extent and minimize the impact of the epidemic on economic and social development," adding, "In accordance with the rapid spread characteristics, early detection, early reporting, early quarantine, and treatment should be implemented to reduce transmission and ensure virus control measures are not delayed."

In particular, it recommended local governments to "guarantee the basic needs of the people, including medical support for groups such as the elderly and youth during response efforts," and urged to "oppose not only irresponsible attitudes but also formalism and bureaucracy, and correct uniform practices." This is interpreted as a remark mindful of recent incidents of casualties and social disorder caused by excessive epidemic prevention in places like Inner Mongolia and Zhengzhou.

An expert who requested anonymity told the Chinese state-run English newspaper Global Times (GT), "This is a brake on some local governments taking excessive measures to suppress the spread," explaining, "This amplified the impact on people's daily lives and shook the public's will to adhere to dynamic zero-COVID." Another expert evaluated, "The meeting addressed necessary aspects, and now it is time to figure out how to implement these measures."

Meanwhile, China began administering the world's first inhaled vaccine as a booster shot in Shanghai on the 26th of last month, and decided to start vaccinations in Beijing, Tianjin, and other areas from the 10th. The inhaled vaccine, based on an adenovirus type 5 vector, has not been officially confirmed for its effectiveness, but Chinese authorities expect it to increase vaccination rates among those reluctant to receive injections.