China’s President Xi Jinping doubled down on his zero-Covid strategy as a historic Communist Party Congress opened in Beijing, insisting the policy was “a people’s war to stop the spread of the virus”.
Speaking at the beginning of the conference on Sunday, the Chinese leader signalled that the country would not shift its policy despite the economic harm caused by stringent regional lockdowns.
"We have adhered to the supremacy of the people and the supremacy of life," Xi said. "We are committed to putting people and lives first, and adhere to dynamic zero-Covid."
He claimed that China had “achieved major positive results in the overall prevention of the epidemic, and economic and social development”.
While the rest of the world has largely opened up thanks to vaccination, China continues to rely on stringent infection control measures such as lockdowns and mass testing.
But there are signs that the policy has frustrated the general public, with a sign reading “we want food, not PCR tests” draped over the large Sitong bridge in Beijing before the beginning of the Congress.
Xi received the most significant applause for the section of his speech focusing on Taiwan.
He said that “resolving the Taiwan issue is the Chinese people’s own business”, adding: “It is up to the Chinese people to decide”.
“We insist on striving for the prospect of peaceful reunification with the greatest sincerity and best efforts, but we will never promise to give up the use of force and reserve the option to take all necessary measures.”
China views Taiwan as its own territory, though the island sees itself as distinct from the mainland.
Tensions between Beijing and Taipei rose dramatically in August after China staged war games near Taiwan following US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit. Those military activities have continued though at a reduced pace.
Xi, 69, is expected to win a third leadership term at the conclusion of the week-long congress, consolidating his place as China’s most powerful leader since Mao Zedong.
On the economy, Xi reaffirmed his commitment to allowing the private sector to play a key role in growing the country’s GDP.
