China to Shift to With-Corona Policy...? "Xi Jinping Hints at Easing Quarantine Measures"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwak Min-jae] Chinese President Xi Jinping reportedly hinted at easing the strict 'Zero COVID' policy during meetings with foreign dignitaries, according to foreign media reports.

On the 2nd (local time), AFP cited European Union (EU) officials reporting that during a meeting with Charles Michel, President of the European Council, held in Beijing on the 1st, President Xi suggested that with the spread of the Omicron variant?which is less deadly than previous COVID-19 variants?there might be a possibility of relaxing lockdown regulations.

Recent developments within China also support the easing of the Zero COVID policy. As blank protests opposing lockdown measures spread, Beijing and the nearby major city Tianjin decided to abolish the requirement to present a negative PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test result taken within 48 to 72 hours when using public transportation.

Earlier, guidelines were issued in major cities such as Beijing, Guangzhou, and Chongqing stating that people staying at home no longer need to undergo regular mass PCR testing. It is also noteworthy that officials including Vice Premier Sun and state-run media have emphasized that the 'toxicity' of the latest Omicron variant is relatively mild.

Ming Pao predicted, "If vaccine booster shots proceed smoothly and medical preparations are sufficient, there is a possibility that Zero COVID could be abandoned and full reopening could occur in February next year, after the Lunar New Year holiday at the end of next month."