China's 'Mourning and Anger' Over Death of Li Wenliang, the First to Warn About COVID-19

Chinese Netizens Mourn Li Wenliang as a 'Hero'

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jin-gyu Lee] Many Chinese netizens are expressing mourning and anger as Dr. Li Wenliang, who first alerted the world to the spread of a new coronavirus in Wuhan, China, passed away on the 7th due to the novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan pneumonia).

On the 1st, his last post on Chinese social media Weibo read, "Today, the nucleic acid test came back positive. Finally, the result is out. Confirmed case." Over 460,000 people left comments wishing him a speedy recovery, but Li Wenliang passed away at the age of 34 early that morning.

Chinese netizens called him a "hero." One Weibo user wrote, "Thank you for trying to protect us." Another user expressed condolences, saying, "The brightest star of 2020 has fallen."

However, netizens criticized the fact that although he revealed the truth, he was punished by the police under the pretext of spreading rumors. One Weibo user posted, "I hope there are no disciplinary actions in heaven. Rest in peace, hero!"

One user posted a screenshot of China Central Television (CCTV) news with the caption "Eight people who spread rumors have been punished," demanding an apology. Netizens collectively said, "If the government had listened to Li Wenliang earlier, things like this would not have happened."

As criticism surged within China following Li Wenliang's death, the Chinese government also responded. The National Supervisory Commission announced it would dispatch an investigation team to Wuhan to conduct a full investigation into issues related to Li Wenliang.

The National Health Commission expressed deep condolences. The Wuhan city government also stated, "We pay respect for fighting the epidemic on the front lines." The World Health Organization (WHO) mourned Li Wenliang's death through its Twitter account.

Huanqiu Shibao published an editorial titled "Salute to Dr. Li Wenliang." It called Li a "hero," saying he died fighting like a soldier on a battlefield-like hospital. The Global Times reported, "Many say the case of the eight whistleblowers is evidence of the incompetence of local authorities."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.