In the past, the situation in China was combustible. Constant protest rallies, appeals from international institutions, were the combination that forced Xi to reconsider his zero coronavirus policy.
Thus, health authorities are expected to announce perhaps the day after tomorrow, Wednesday, new measures to further relax some of the world's tightest restrictions on COVID-19, sources told Reuters, with investors reacting positively to the prospect of changes following the widespread protests and growing economic impact.
Finally the "zero tolerance" policy[BR]
The changes coming are set to change the mandatory testing regime and quarantine rules. The changes vary from region to region and are even taking place in cities such as Guangzhou and Beijing, the capital, despite recent record-breaking cases.
Officials have told local authorities not to use the same approach for everyone, as has been the case until now. Instead, municipal authorities are "shutting down" apartment buildings and individual complexes after detecting cases, rather than blocks. More changes may be adopted perhaps the day after tomorrow, Wednesday.
The reason for the changes
Citizen fatigue with the 'zero COVID' policy is growing, and the spate of lockdowns in many cities last month, often without warning, exacerbated the sense of anger.
Meanwhile, the world's second-largest economy is being hammered by restrictions that have led to shrinking consumption and limited travel and have disrupted factory production and global supply chains.
[BR][BR]The 20th Congress of the ruling Chinese Communist Party in October, where Xi secured a third five-year term as leader, was seen as a milestone that could lead to a curtailment of these policies.
Citizens' reaction to the changes
Relief and concern are the emotions of citizens. Many, especially in large cities, frustrated by the hardship, uncertainty, economic consequences and travel restrictions that accompany the 'zero COVID' policy, react positively to its termination.
Yet others, including the elderly, are concerned about the consequences of a larger outbreak. Fear towards the disease is high following the strict control measures, while state media emphasise the deaths and chaos in other countries, especially the US. Recent rule changes and uneven enforcement have confused many.
What does this mean for "full opening"?
China has effectively closed its borders to overseas travelers for nearly 3 years. International flights are only a fraction of pre-pandemic levels and those arriving in the country must remain quarantined for eight days.
Many analysts have said the reopening will begin in March or April, after the winter flu season and the annual parliament session that usually starts on March 5. Goldman Sachs said it expects a gradual opening from April.
However, Julian Evans-Pritchard, an economist covering China at Capital Economics, said a move away from the 'zero COVID' policy is unlikely even in 2023, citing low vaccination rates for the elderly, among other factors. Analysts at JPMorgan have warned that the road to reopening is likely to be bumpy.
Source: CNA
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