Chinese Wuhan Residents Receive Pork Delivered by 'Garbage Truck'... "It Makes Me Nauseous"

Pork delivered to Wuhan residents through garbage collection vehicles / Photo by Weibo Capture

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Lim Juhyung] Controversy has erupted after evidence surfaced that pork was delivered to residents using garbage trucks in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, which had been under lockdown due to the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

According to the Chinese media outlet 'Global Times' on the 12th (local time), the Qingshan District Gangdu Garden Management Committee in Wuhan City faced strong protests after it was revealed on the previous day (11th) that pork was delivered to local residents using garbage collection vehicles, prompting a swift recall.

The media reported that the district office loaded the pork ordered by residents onto garbage collection vehicles and, upon arrival at residential complexes, delivered the meat in rusty handcarts or trash bins. Some Wuhan residents captured these scenes and posted them on Chinese social networking services (SNS) such as Weibo, spreading the controversy.

Chinese netizens raised voices criticizing the authorities, saying things like "It's disgusting," "Unbelievable. Are they trying to kill people?" and "Who gave the order?"

Meanwhile, the Chinese government imposed lockdown measures isolating Wuhan City from the outside starting January 23. On the 11th of last month, all apartment complex entrances were closed, and from the 18th, apartment residents have been ordering and receiving daily necessities by complex.

Notably, the photos of groceries such as meat and vegetables being delivered by garbage trucks emerged the day after Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Wuhan for the first time since the COVID-19 outbreak. At that time, President Xi encouraged, saying, "Hubei and Wuhan are the places that determine the victory or defeat of this epidemic prevention battle," and "The Party and the people thank the people of Wuhan."

As the controversy spread, the district office posted on its official Weibo account that "During the delivery process of pork collectively purchased by residents, the garbage truck transported 1,000 servings, of which 530 servings had already been delivered," adding, "The delivered pork will be collected and incinerated, and those responsible will be held accountable."

The Wuhan Municipal Discipline Inspection Commission of the Communist Party of China plans to file charges and investigate those responsible in connection with this matter.

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