China reported the highest number of coronavirus cases since April when it was battling its worst outbreak. It is reported 

 What is happening in China? Why is Covid still on the rise? Does Xi Jinping have something to do with it? Let us take a look at how the frustration against Xi Jinping’s Zero Covid Policy reached its breaking point in Guangzhou. 

But first let us understand, what is the zero covid policy.

involves complete control and maximum suppression for the elimination of the virus by using aggressive public health measures, such as contact tracing, social isolation, mass testing, and lockdowns.

It is quite an aggressive policy, and it paid dividends to China initially, but now it threatens China’s economy, society and even the legitimacy of China’s communist party. 

Take a look at what happened in Guangzhou

They attacked the cops and tore down barriers. 

Look at how a police cruiser was forcibly flipped over, and how any representation of the zero-covid policy was violently taken away.

The Communist Party continues to support zero COVID. The pandemic playbook used by China is met with a violent response as a result. 

According to reports, Guangzhou saw hundreds of demonstrators take to the streets yesterday.

Public outcry is extremely uncommon in China. The Communist Party often puts an end to such protests quickly.

 However, the citizens of Guangzhou have shown the limitations of Chinese censorship and the full depth of their rage at China's pandemic plan. 

They forced the residents of the area into a lockdown. They were required to take further COVID-19 exams. 

To carry with these demands, local administrations went to great lengths. This also included drone announcements.

Similar scenes emerged when iPhone workers at a factory fleed the lockdown imposed

But these people have run out of patience after almost three years of lockdowns and swab tests. According to reports, the tensions had been building for some time.  

The worries have been made worse by food shortages and soaring prices.

The locals argued with the law enforcement officers for several nights. But on Monday, they lost it completely. They are not the only ones who have grievances.

People are also venting their frustrations online

Angry posts about the zero covid policy have taken over Chinese social media. 

Some citizens vented their annoyance on Weibo. 

What are working people meant to do? A user questioned. What type of mind came up with this policy? Someone other remarked.

 These posts were quickly removed by Chinese censors.

Chinese citizens have vented their frustrations on Weibo, the social media app

However, Chinese internet users are reluctant to let go this time. They have turned to the Cantonese language to express their rage. And they are not reserving any blows.

The government hasn't offered subsidies, yelled one message. Do you believe I have to pay rent? 

Officials in China are frequently criticised. They have been told to go to hell and accused of babbling nonsense.

 In China, people are speaking their thoughts on the streets.

China recently loosened some of the strict regulations. The government resolved to combat the pandemic in a more focused manner. The change is minor, though. Limited contact tracing and extensive lockdowns were used. 

there is not much alleviation from Zero COVID within the new hotspots. Because there is no herd immunity and the vaccines are inefficient, China is having trouble controlling the pandemic.

 With the emergence of new varieties, it can become more difficult to contain new cases.

Covid lockdowns have reached their breaking point in China

The Communist officials in China have taken extensive measures to halt the spread of COVID-19. 

Everywhere you turn, there are PCR tests that are required and ongoing lockdowns.

 Any infected person is quickly located, as are any of their contacts. 

Covid testing facilities are around every street corner

What impact do these stringent regulations have on the local populace?

Restaurants and shops are forced to close as social estrangement takes precedence over commerce. 

Approximately 12 million people live in Guangzhou. Although it is a vibrant, sophisticated city, none of the normal gathering spots are occupied.

Authorities in the city do not want any crowds that could help Covid establish a presence. 

Anyone who criticises the Communist Party may face consequences.

Local lockdowns are ongoing everywhere, just like they are in many other regions of China. The nation has evolved into a massive testing facility. 

This year's expenses are projected to represent close to 2% of the entire economic output.

Guangzhou city is a sprawling metropolis home to around 12 million people

The current zero COVID policies are detrimental to business. Few consumers are present, and many businesses have closed.

Why is China still continuing with its zero covid policy? 

China's initial strategy was so successful there that it was recognised internationally as a model to follow. 

It was successful initially since they were able to reduce the infection and mortality rates to zero starting around the end of March 2020

. But what worked back then is considerably less effective today. 

The introduction of the more contagious Omicron variety has made it much more challenging to control the virus's spread.

Singapore and New Zealand, which initially had their own zero COVID policy,

 reversed tactics and have begun to live with the virus despite precautions like lockdowns. However, 

China's vaccines have proven to be ineffective. Additionally it has refused foreign made vaccines

Its success in 2020 has likely grown to be the biggest roadblock to a more flexible strategy. 

Today, in 2022, the extremely low vaccination rate among its older population is a significant factor in China's reluctance to open up.

In China, little over 50% of adults over the age of 18 have finished their main vaccines, but only 19.7% have received a booster shot.

 You may say that they believed that the government would protect them. The populace probably thought that vaccines would serve as a backup plan as long as the zero COVID policy is implemented since public health measures are preventing infections.

Prior to the emergence of the Omicron variety, China should have pushed for a more forceful vaccination effort. 

Its current struggle is a result of missing that window. That, as we've seen, wasn't really planning for the future or for the possibility of a more transferrable variance.

Additionally, there is the issue of vaccine effectiveness. 

The inactivated viral vaccines produced in China have been found to be less effective against diseases. However, China has not yet given its populace permission to use vaccines developed outside. Instead, it is placing its bets on in-house mRNA vaccines, which are still in the clinical testing stage.

Why won't China use foreign made vaccines?

solely motivated by political choices, you know, political objectives,

 in order to create and use their own vaccines rather than appear to be dependent on international assistance, international research, and international technology.

just unwilling to take the risk of abandoning its zero-covid policy due to the likelihood of significant death rates and illnesses.

 They are looking for a solution with the least amount of political risk. Additionally, it appears that giving up on zero Covid initiatives would cost too much politically right now. 

It has evolved into President Xi's defining strategy.

Xi Jinping refused to back down on the zero covid policy at the CCP Congress

At the 20th CCP Congress, which took place in October, Xi reaffirmed this strategy and strengthened it. They would like to continue doing that and believe they can continue doing that since they believe they have shown the system's superiority in containing the infection. 

However, the expenses of maintaining the policy are rising. Negative news about the Chinese economy was only recently reported. 

How will Xi Jinping navigate his way around with this one? Time seems to be running fast, and he has to act now.

Xi Jinping's Zero Covid Policy might prove to be his downfall

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