China: Controls Eased, No Signal of ‘Zero COVID’ End
China is relaxing some of the world’s strictest COVID policies amid protests to end the country’s “zero COVID” measures.
Facts
- China is relaxing some of the world’s strictest COVID policies amid protests to end the country’s “zero COVID” measures.
- Protests broke out following a fire that led to 10 deaths, as many believed COVID precautions inhibited residents’ ability to escape and impeded firefighters. The protests spread throughout the country and inspired backlash towards “zero COVID” measures.
- Major policy changes include allowing the use of public transportation without a negative test and permitting some COVID-positive residents to self-quarantine at home instead of centralized quarantine.
- Despite easing restrictions, the Chinese government hasn't signaled an end to its “zero Covid” strategy. “China is not ready for a fast reopening yet,” said Morgan Stanley economists in a report released Monday. “We expect lingering containment measures...Restrictions could still tighten dynamically in lower-tier cities should hospitalizations surge.”
- Foxconn, the supplier of Apple devices, announced it will restore production at the largest iPhone factory in Zhengzhou following stoppages over COVID restrictions. The company expects full production by the beginning of 2023.
- Financial markets responded positively to the possibility of China easing restrictions as Morgan Stanley upgraded its evaluation of the future of Chinese equities for the first time in two years.
Sources: Associated Press, Vox, CNN, NBC, and FOX News.
Narratives
- Pro-establishment narrative, as provided by China Daily. The Chinese government continues to do its best to protect its people's health and safety while also granting them freedom to take personal responsibility for their health. The Chinese government is following emerging science as new COVID variants become less virulent, enabling fewer restrictions.
- Establishment-critical narrative, as provided by The Guardian. It's clear that many people in China are tired of the increasingly ineffective zero-Covid strategy, and the world is bracing for the worst. While the protests have put pressure on Beijing, the PRC's use of ineffective non-mRNA vaccines could make for a national and even global health crisis. China is now stuck in the volatile position to overwhelm its extremely fragile healthcare system or continue to face public outcry over draconian policies.
