Xi Jinping calls for the unity of China in a new phase of anti-virus policy

President ChinaXi Jinping called for more effort and unity while praying The country is entering a “new phase” in its approach to fighting the pandemicin his first message to residents about COVID-19 since his government changed course three weeks ago and eased its strict policy of confinement and mass testing.

In a televised New Year’s address, Xi said so China has overcome unprecedented difficulties and challenges In the fight against covid-19, and that its policies are “improved” when the situation and the moment demand it.

“Since the outbreak of the epidemic…most of the teams and fans, especially the medical staff, ordinary workers have faced hardships and persevered bravely,” Xi said.

“Currently , Epidemic prevention and control is entering a new stage, It is still time to struggle, everyone is persistent and hardworking, and the dawn has not yet come. Let us work harder, perseverance means victory and unity means victory.”

earlier this month, Beijing has scrapped its approach of not spreading the virus Based on mass testing and centralized quarantines and lockdowns, which it has maintained for about three years.

the The policy change caused a wave of infections across the country, a further drop in economic activity and international concerns, with the UK and France becoming the latest countries to impose restrictions on travelers from China.

China’s decision to abandon its no-virus policy brought it in line with a world that has largely reopened to coexist with the virus.

I followed the step Unprecedented public protests With the policy Xi has championed, marking the strongest display of public defiance in his decade-long presidency and coinciding with dismal growth figures for the world’s second-largest economy.

AMP