James, the PRC can force many things we simply won’t but I doubt they will try lockdowns again as it is a fine calculation regarding the breaking point. I do not think they thought they had any choice which is why the dropped zero Covid so dramatically. I think they prioritized selling their vaccine overseas over internal inoculations. I think Xi is in for a rough several months, as I hinted Wednesday. Then again, the Party’s ability to navigate tough situations over the past decade has been remarkably lucky. I believe in things balancing out so they are likely in for harsh period. In the end, however, the Chinese people suffer more than the leadership when it all goes badly. The Party of under 100 million means 1.2 billion never elected that Party…..
It’s so interesting that they could manage a vast testing regime across the country and particularly in major cities but not vaccinate in the same manner.
I do wonder if they can go back to lockdowns, likely with fewer people and specifically vulnerable older people who also may have strong memories of eased authoritarianism and respond with “we knew best, and when we bowed to your wishes, see what happened? It’s the same with democracy and freedom, we know better than you that this would not work.” But I’m not a china or Xi watcher over years, and perhaps a terrible pessimist.
and I am pretty sure they are a ways from the finish line. The key is what this 'open remark' precedent foretells and I don't know.
James, the PRC can force many things we simply won’t but I doubt they will try lockdowns again as it is a fine calculation regarding the breaking point. I do not think they thought they had any choice which is why the dropped zero Covid so dramatically. I think they prioritized selling their vaccine overseas over internal inoculations. I think Xi is in for a rough several months, as I hinted Wednesday. Then again, the Party’s ability to navigate tough situations over the past decade has been remarkably lucky. I believe in things balancing out so they are likely in for harsh period. In the end, however, the Chinese people suffer more than the leadership when it all goes badly. The Party of under 100 million means 1.2 billion never elected that Party…..
His remarks were interesting, weren't they?
Xi Jinping opens up on zero COVID reversal: ‘It has not been an easy journey for anyone’ https://fortune.com/2022/12/31/xi-jinping-addresses-zero-covid-reversal-new-year-not-been-easy-journey-china/
It’s so interesting that they could manage a vast testing regime across the country and particularly in major cities but not vaccinate in the same manner.
I do wonder if they can go back to lockdowns, likely with fewer people and specifically vulnerable older people who also may have strong memories of eased authoritarianism and respond with “we knew best, and when we bowed to your wishes, see what happened? It’s the same with democracy and freedom, we know better than you that this would not work.” But I’m not a china or Xi watcher over years, and perhaps a terrible pessimist.