Liquor Chang "COVID-19 Response Achievements... Victory in Control"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Park Sun-mi] Chinese Premier Li Keqiang stated on the 22nd at the annual session of the National People's Congress (NPC) held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing that significant achievements have been made in responding to COVID-19.

Premier Li said, "Under the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China centered on President Xi Jinping, and through the hard work and sacrifices of all Chinese people, strategic achievements have been made in the COVID-19 response." He added, "COVID-19 is the fastest and most widespread public health emergency faced since the founding of the country and has been challenging. I express gratitude to all Chinese people and governments of other countries."

He continued, "The leadership of the Communist Party of China, the Chinese socialist system, and the national governance system possess very strong vitality and remarkable superiority, enabling them to withstand any difficulties and risks," adding, "We have achieved a decisive victory in the fight against COVID-19 through strict control measures." However, he cautioned, "COVID-19 is not over yet," and urged, "We must significantly strengthen prevention and control capabilities to thoroughly prevent the resurgence of COVID-19 and protect the health of the people."

The Chinese government plans to expand investment in COVID-19 vaccine and treatment research and development, as well as improve the epidemic alert system. Premier Li stated, "We will make good use of the COVID-19 special government bonds issued by the Chinese government to increase investment in research and development of vaccines, treatments, and rapid diagnostic technologies." He also mentioned that more medical facilities for epidemic control and treatment will be built, and additional mobile laboratories will be established.

Meanwhile, Premier Li expressed a firm stance on Hong Kong, where large-scale protests have continued, and Taiwan, where independence movements exist. In the work report, he said, "The Chinese government will accurately implement the 'One Country, Two Systems' principle," and added, "To protect national security within the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, a sound legal system and enforcement mechanisms must be established." Regarding the Taiwan issue, Premier Li strongly opposed separatism in Taiwan and clearly indicated that independence efforts will not be tolerated.

Regarding the US-China trade negotiations, he said, "We will properly fulfill the commitments of the US-China Phase One trade agreement signed in January this year," and added, "China is also committed to multilateral trade systems and reforming the World Trade Organization (WTO). The China-Japan-South Korea Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is also being promoted."

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