Despite Global Scrutiny, China Defends, 'Zero-COVID' Policy.
On May 13, officials in Shanghai said they hoped to achieve zero COVID cases outside of quarantine by May 20.
NBC reports that the city has been under strict lockdown for weeks as the government combats China's worst outbreak since the coronavirus pandemic began.
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NBC reports that the city has been under strict lockdown for weeks as the government combats China's worst outbreak since the coronavirus pandemic began.
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China's 'Zero-COVID' strategy has drawn global scrutiny, including from the World Health Organization (WHO) which questioned the tactic's sustainability.
Considering the behavior of the virus, I think a shift will be very important, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General of the World Health Organization, via NBC.
The comments by the WHO came after Chinese president Xi Jinping reaffirmed the government's commitment to China's COVID strategy.
NBC reports that analysts feel shifting course could threaten Xi's plan to secure a third term as China's president.
Last week, top leaders of the Chinese Communist Party vowed to , “unswervingly adhere to the general policy of ‘dynamic zero-COVID’... ... and resolutely fight against any words and deeds that distort, doubt or deny our country’s epidemic prevention policies.” .
NBC reports that the criticism by the WHO's director general was quickly suppressed by Chinese censors.
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Foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian defended China's COVID policy and cautioned against further criticism.
We hope relevant people will look at China’s Covid policy in an objective and rational light, learn more about the facts and refrain from making irresponsible remarks, Zhao Lijian, China's foreign ministry spokesman, via NBC
