By TIPPINSIGHTS Editorial Board, TIPP Insights

The world hasn’t been the same since late 2019. That’s when China inadvertently sent the SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, beyond its borders. The virus’s origin, how it was transmitted to humans, and why China failed to inform the rest of the world in time remain topics of debate three years since the outbreak.

Appalling Numbers

According to the WHO website, globally, as of 10 October 2022, 618,521,620 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 6,534,725 deaths, were reported to the organization. At the beginning of the month, a total of 12,723,216,322 vaccine doses had been administered. Of the documented 6.5 million fatalities, China, the first epicenter of the outbreak, accounts for less than 27,000!

Though one does not expect Beijing to put out actual numbers of infections and fatalities, it is generally believed that the Chinese have fared better than the U.S and many European countries.

The Chinese regime has opted to highlight the relatively low death toll instead of facilitating independent, scientific investigations into the origins or spread of the virus. The heartening numbers are touted as the political machinery’s ‘success’ in containing the pandemic on the Chinese mainland.

Zero-Covid

To keep fatalities and infection rates low, China has kept up draconian measures that were called off worldwide once vaccines became available. Mandatory three-week-long quarantine, city/province-wide lockdowns, and regular mass testing continue to be a reality for much of the country. Travel restrictions are still in place, and week-to-months-long closures of manufacturing hubs and international ports are frequently making headlines.

The Chinese, generally scared to raise their voices against the political class, have taken to social media to report food and medicine shortages. Life has come to a standstill in many communities. The economic costs are staggering.

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But by many accounts, President Xi Jinping personally endorsed the harsh, often debilitating restrictions in what is termed his “Zero-Covid” policy. Chang Jile, the Vice Administrator of the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration, was quoted as saying, “President Xi has stressed the importance of targeted prevention, to get maximum results at the lowest cost, and to minimize the impact of the pandemic on social development. This requirement from central authorities is unchanged.”

Available data suggest that 90% of the Chinese population has received two doses of Covid-19 vaccines. Two-thirds have gotten the subsequent booster dose. Yet, there are no discussions on returning to a pre-pandemic normal in China or how that can be achieved.

Political Fallout

The pandemic and its handling have become a political issue rather than a health emergency. President Xi is seeking an unprecedented third term in office. Many believe that it will pave the way for him to become the lifelong leader of China.

Despite losing face on the world stage as the perpetrators of a global pandemic, Beijing is doing its best to be seen as the most successful regarding the containment and management of Covid-19.

Even as the busting real estate bubble and economic slowdown give rise to murmurs of criticism and dissent, President Xi cannot afford to be seen as losing his tight grip on pandemic control. China’s aging population remains vulnerable to the rapidly spreading mutants of SARS-CoV-2. Chang Jile stated, “Our philosophy on prevention and measures is about putting people and lives first… These measures may cause some inconvenience to normal functions and life, but we should bear in mind the country’s overall interests.”

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That the Chinese have not gathered en masse to protest or criticism has not reached a fever pitch is a testament to the power and control of the regime. In fact, the pandemic has enabled the government to tighten its grip on the people. Mobile health apps now openly track peoples’ health status and movements. As in the days of Mao, citizens need written permission from the authorities to renew their passports or travel abroad.

End In Sight?

The world’s second-largest economy was on track to reach World Bank’s threshold to be considered a high-income country. But, disruptive lockdowns have dampened the mood. The Chinese economy shrank in the year’s second quarter for the first time since 2020. Foreign investment is leaving the country, and multinational buyers are looking for more dependable manufacturing facilities elsewhere. Besides, the local governments are running dry with the constant testing and disruptive lockdowns.

Once President Xi is ensconced in his third term, he may ease his iron control on the lockdown issue. But for now, there are no indications to suggest that the comfort and convenience of the people are at the top of his agenda.

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