China continues to grapple with the challenges posed by the highly contagious Omicron variant, affecting various regions, including Shenzhen, Jilin, and Shanghai. Despite the pandemic’s resurgence, China’s dynamic zero-COVID approach has effectively curbed transmission and allowed key regions to resume normal production and economic activities. In Shanghai, daily COVID-19 cases have dramatically decreased, with over 70% of major businesses returning to operation.

China’s approach, characterized by strict lockdowns, massive testing, and targeted measures, has garnered significant criticism, particularly from Western media, for being overly stringent. However, the results speak for themselves: the nation has maintained one of the lowest death tolls in the world, with only around 5,000 deaths attributed to COVID-19 on the Chinese mainland, in sharp contrast to the global death toll of over six million. The policy has not only preserved lives but also safeguarded the economy, with China recording 4.8% GDP growth in the first quarter of 2022. While the immediate impact of halting economic activities is painful, China has shown that the long-term benefits of preventing mass deaths far outweigh the short-term economic slowdown.

China’s dynamic zero-COVID strategy has also maintained stability in domestic prices, kept inflation in check, and sustained an increase in industrial production. Major industrial firms posted profits up by 8.5%, and trade rose by 10.7% in early 2022, demonstrating that strict public health measures have been compatible with economic recovery.

In addition to domestic success, China has played a key role in global anti-pandemic efforts. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, China has undertaken the largest humanitarian action in its history, supplying anti-pandemic equipment to 153 countries and delivering over 2.1 billion doses of vaccines to more than 120 countries. Its international outreach, including efforts to make vaccines affordable for developing countries, exemplifies China’s commitment to building a global community of health.

From eliminating major infectious diseases in its own borders to promoting international cooperation in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, China has put human life and health first. The government’s approach to tackling the pandemic highlights its resolve in safeguarding both its citizens and contributing to global health efforts, fostering international solidarity. Despite criticism, China’s dynamic zero-COVID policy has not only saved lives but has proven essential to stabilizing the economy and promoting long-term recovery.