Despite Global Scrutiny, China Defends, 'Zero-COVID' Policy.<br />On May 13, officials in Shanghai said <br />they hoped to achieve zero COVID <br />cases outside of quarantine by May 20.<br />NBC reports that the city has been under strict lockdown for weeks as the government combats China's worst outbreak since the coronavirus pandemic began. .<br />NBC reports that the city has been under strict lockdown for weeks as the government combats China's worst outbreak since the coronavirus pandemic began. .<br />China's 'Zero-COVID' strategy has drawn global scrutiny, <br />including from the World Health Organization (WHO) <br />which questioned the tactic's sustainability.<br />Considering the behavior of the virus, <br />I think a shift will be very important, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General <br />of the World Health Organization, via NBC.<br />The comments by the WHO came after Chinese president Xi Jinping reaffirmed the government's commitment to China's COVID strategy.<br />NBC reports that analysts feel shifting <br />course could threaten Xi's plan to secure <br />a third term as China's president.<br />Last week, top leaders of the Chinese Communist Party vowed to , “unswervingly adhere to the general <br />policy of ‘dynamic zero-COVID’...<br />... and resolutely fight against any words <br />and deeds that distort, doubt or deny our <br />country’s epidemic prevention policies.” .<br />NBC reports that the criticism <br />by the WHO's director general was <br />quickly suppressed by Chinese censors. .<br />Foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian <br />defended China's COVID policy <br />and cautioned against further criticism.<br />We hope relevant people will look <br />at China’s Covid policy in an objective <br />and rational light, learn more about <br />the facts and refrain from making <br />irresponsible remarks, Zhao Lijian, China's foreign ministry spokesman, via NBC
