China’s Xi says country’s COVID prevention enters new phase

Xi Jinping says, 'Let's work harder. Persistence means victory, and unity means victory' [Tingshu Wang/Reuters]

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for more effort and unity as the country enters a “new phase” in its approach to combating the pandemic.

“At present, the epidemic prevention and control is entering a new phase,” he said on Saturday in his first public comments on COVID-19 since his government changed course three weeks ago and relaxed its rigorous policy of lockdowns and mass testing.