Xi calls for unity as China enters ‘new phase’ of ‘Corona’

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday called for greater efforts and greater unity as the country enters a “new phase” in its approach to fighting the pandemic, in his first comments on ‘Covid-19’ since his government changed policy three weeks ago and eased its stringent measures which included mass testing and lockdowns.

In a televised New Year’s address, Xi said China has overcome unprecedented hardships and challenges in the battle against COVID-19 and that its policies have been “improved” when the situation and time required.

“Since the outbreak of the pandemic … the majority of cadres and the masses, especially health workers, have faced hardships and courageously continued their work,” Xi said.

And he added: “Right now, pandemic prevention and response are entering a new phase, and this is still a time of struggle, and everyone is tenacious and working hard, and the dawn is ahead of us. We work harder, perseverance means victory and unity means victory.

Earlier this month, China modified its strict zero “Covid” policy, which relied on mass testing and the transfer of infected people to quarantine centers and closures, measures it had enforced for nearly three years.