China defends strict COVID-19 policy ahead of Communist Party Congress

The Chinese government on Saturday defended its strict policy of restrictions to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, on the eve of the start of the Chinese Communist Party Congress, which will elect the current president of the Asian giant, Xi Jinping, for a third consecutive term.

China enforces a ‘zero-case’ policy, under which it adopts tight restrictions on mobility and even confinements at the slightest suspicion that a coronavirus outbreak may get out of control.

Despite the fact that this doctrine is already an exception worldwide, a spokesman for the official party, Sun Yeli, has stated that it is precisely this strict vigilance that has kept the pandemic under control and stabilized the economic outlook.

In this regard, he has stated that China is a very populous and aging country. “All options have been studied, and the response measures are the best in terms of cost-effectiveness and have worked for our country,” Sun said.

Nearly 2,300 delegates will meet starting this Sunday for a congress that is held every five years and will conclude on October 22. Surveillance measures aimed at preventing outbreaks of COVID-19 will also be implemented at this event.