Connect with us

World News

President Xi Jinping’s zero-Covid policy has become a political liability

Published

on

President Xi Jinping’s zero-Covid policy has become a political liability

Protests in major cities, poor economic indicators, and widespread discontent online – President Xi Jinping’s zero-Covid policy is transforming from a propaganda triumph to a political liability.

For two years, strict lockdowns, mass testing, and tight border controls had beaten back the virus, resulting in relatively few deaths in the world’s most populous country.

While much of the Western world was hit hard by epidemics, China’s “dynamic zero-Covid” approach was hailed as a symbol of Xi’s astute leadership and commemorated during the ruling Communist Party’s centennial celebrations last year.

Advertisement

Xi was portrayed as avuncular, wise, and in complete command of a Chinese success story in adoring television specials and staged ceremonies.

However, as he seeks an unprecedented third term in power at the party congress this autumn, a virus outbreak fueled by the Omicron variant is raising awkward and unexpected questions.

According to official figures, hundreds of people have died, mostly in Shanghai, where the population has been enraged by a lockdown that is only partially lifting after nearly two months.

Beijingers are concerned that they will be next, while economic dynamos from Jilin to Shenzhen have been stymied by restrictions, and the economy is losing steam.

Advertisement

Vivienne Shue, a China studies professor at the University of Oxford, told AFP that the leadership’s intransigence “now risks making China’s performance appear not only stubborn, but perilously uncreative, and unwise.”

Nonetheless, Xi insists that the country should “unwaveringly” pursue zero-Covid, claiming that Chinese lives are more valuable than economic pain.

However, the strict application of virus controls has sparked outrage and ridicule, particularly in Shanghai, where sarcastic memes have swept the internet and scuffles with hazmat-clad officials have been witnessed on the streets.

Hundreds of students gathered last week at Beijing’s elite Peking University, the birthplace of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests, to protest Covid rules.

Advertisement

Experts say Xi has bet too much on zero-Covid to now take a step back.

“Challenging this policy means challenging him,” said Alfred Wu, an associate professor at the National University of Singapore’s Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy.

– Beat the drum for Congress –

This is an important year for Xi.

Advertisement

When China’s ruling class meets in Beijing for the 20th Party Congress to elect the country’s top decision-makers, he is expected to win a third term as party leader.

While the abrupt unravelling of Beijing’s Covid narrative is a challenge, experts believe it is unlikely to derail his bid to rule China indefinitely.

“Through anti-corruption and other campaigns, he has already solidified his power base,” Wu said.

In the run-up to the congress, Xi’s priority is to maintain the status quo, he added.

Advertisement

China has escaped the deaths that have plagued most other major countries, bolstering zero-credibility. Covid’s

Top leaders, including Premier Li Keqiang, have come forward to reassure that the Covid-19 controls will only be temporary.

Following the country’s lowest retail sales and factory output in months, Li said on Wednesday that local governments should increase their “sense of urgency” in addressing the economic crisis.

His prominence has sparked speculation of a schism or challenge to Xi’s authority from party factions disgruntled by the virus’s impact.

Advertisement

Others warn against drawing too many conclusions from information spoon-fed to the public by a Communist Party steeped in secrecy and storytelling.

“Xi may have given Li the authority to make a course correction,” said Joseph Torigian, an elite politics expert at American University.

– Covid is a bad communist.

The zero-Covid policy has a significant political component.

Advertisement

As Xi’s authority spreads across the country, officials have been fired or reprimanded for failing to stop outbreaks.

Shanghai’s chaotic lockdown has cast doubt on the fate of the city’s Communist Party secretary, Li Qiang, who has long been considered one of Xi’s top choices for premiership once Li Keqiang steps down.

However, analysts from the SinoInsider consultancy wrote that “as long as Xi is in office and has sufficient political strength, Li Qiang has a good chance of joining the Politburo Standing Committee,” referring to a select group of top Chinese leaders.

According to Beijing watchers, rumblings of divisions and behind-the-scenes moves are easily overblown but not always incorrect.

Advertisement

“Like most governing parties around the world, the CCP works hard to present itself as thoroughly unified in purpose,” Shue said.

“And, like most governing parties around the world, the CCP is almost always… beset by very consequential internal party policy differences.”

Experts say it’s difficult to see how Xi can abandon the policy without losing political capital now that he’s committed to zero-Covid.

However, the congress is still several months away, and it is too early to assess the impact on China’s most powerful leader since Mao.

Advertisement

“It’s difficult to say whether top party elites have different perspectives on zero-Covid,” Torigian said.

“Chinese politics are not a popularity contest,” he added.

Advertisement

Bollywood

Anthony Mackie defends his ‘Captain America shouldn’t represent’ America remark after backlash

Published

on

By

Anthony Mackie defends his ‘Captain America shouldn’t represent’ America remark after backlash

While promoting the upcoming MCU movie Brave New World, Anthony Mackie came under fire for stating that Captain America does not have to represent America. Following criticism for claiming that the popular superhero figure Captain America doesn’t represent America, Hollywood star Anthony Mackie has provided an explanation.

Anthony Mackie explains his comments about Captain America
Mackie, who plays the superhero in Captain America: Brave New World, his first solo film, wrote a message on his Instagram Stories.

Advertisement

“I want to be clear that I am a patriotic American and that it is an honour of a lifetime to take on the shield of a hero like Cap. I hold those who serve and have served our nation in the highest regard. People everywhere can identify with Cap’s universal qualities,” he stated.

The debate began earlier this week when Mackie discussed his on Captain America’s symbolism during a Brave New World promotional event in Rome.

Mackie’s previous comments that “Captain America represents a lot of different The actor’s comments went viral on social media with many fans of the superhero character criticising Mackie for downplaying Captain America’s patriotic values.

Anthony Mackie clarified his remark about Captain America not representing America, stating he meant the hero symbolizes broader ideals like unity and justice, not just one country, following backlash.

Advertisement

About Brave New World: Captain America
Brave New World marks Marvel Studios’ first Captain America film since Chris Evans’ Steve Rogers passed the shield to Mackie’s Sam Wilson at the conclusion of Avengers: Endgame in 2019.

In the interim, Mackie starred in the Disney series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021), which delved into the complexities and challenges of a Black man taking on the mantle of Captain America.

Brave New World, directed by Julius Onah, is set to be released in theatres worldwide on February 14. The movie also features Danny Ramirez, Shira Haas, Carl Lumbly, Giancarlo Esposito, Tim Blake Following Joker: The collapse of Folie à Deux Lady Gaga asserts that even if a project doesn’t come out as planned, artists must acknowledge that not everyone will enjoy their work.

Anthony Mackie, set to lead in Marvel’s upcoming “Captain America: Brave New World,” recently faced criticism for comments made during a press event in Rome. He stated that Captain America “doesn’t represent America” but embodies traits like honor, dignity, and integrity. This led to backlash on social media, with some users expressing confusion and disagreement.

Advertisement

nypost.com

In response, Mackie clarified his remarks on Instagram, emphasizing his pride in being an American and the honor he feels in taking on the Captain America mantle. He highlighted that Captain America’s universal characteristics resonate with people worldwide.

ew.com

Mackie, the first Black actor to portray Captain America, has previously discussed the importance of diverse representation in superheroes. He believes that Captain America’s values transcend national boundaries, making the character relatable to a global audience.

Advertisement

nypost.com

“Captain America: Brave New World” is scheduled for release on February 14, 2025, featuring a cast that includes Danny Ramirez, Harrison Ford, Liv Tyler, Shira to Haas, Carl Lumbly, Giancarlo Esposito, and Tim Blake Nelson.

nypost.com

Anthony Mackie Clarifies Captain America Remarks Amid Backlash

Advertisement

nypost.com

Anthony Mackie faces backlash for saying Captain America doesn’t ‘represent’ America: ‘Strange take’

Today

Advertisement
Anthony Mackie faces backlash for saying Captain America doesn't 'represent' America: 'Strange take'

ew.comAnthony Mackie sets record straight on viral “Captain America “remarks: ‘I’m a proud American’Todaytheguardian.com’More brains than brawn’: will the new Captain America be hamstrung by his lack of superpowers?60 days ago

Favicon
Favicon

Group Media Publications
Entertainment News Platforms – anyflix.in      
Construction Infrastructure and Mining News Platform – https://cimreviews.com/
General News Platform – https://ihtlive.com/
Legal and Laws News Platforms – https://legalmatters.in/
Podcast Platforms – https://anyfm.in/

Continue Reading
Anyskill-ads

Facebook

Trending