"Thought Restrictions Would Ease After Party Congress"... China Tightens COVID-19 Controls Further

Post Exposing Internal Situation at Foxconn Goes Viral Online
Isolated and Confined Foxconn Employees 'Boiling Over'

Citizens isolated outside in Xining are lying down on makeshift beds. Xining has been under lockdown since the 21st, but confusion is arising due to food shortages and the suspension of medical services. (Photo by Weibo)

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Kim Hyun-jung] "Please pay attention to the Xining incident. Otherwise, the elderly who stand in long lines in the cold wind to buy goods, people wrapped in blankets trying to sleep on the grass, and those who die because they cannot receive timely dialysis despite serious illness might become your family."

As China continues to enforce strict zero-COVID policies such as city lockdowns and quarantines citing the spread of COVID-19, posts exposing the current state of epidemic prevention are emerging mainly online. After the closing of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, the country’s largest political event, there were expectations that the authorities might ease the prevention measures somewhat, but in reality, the measures appear to be intensifying.

On the morning of the 28th, a post titled "People Who Experienced the Epidemic: Listen to the Voices of Xining Residents" rose as a major issue on Baidu, China’s largest portal. A netizen who identified themselves as a "native of Qinghai" pointed out that problems are worsening due to inadequate food supply and medical services, raising suspicions about specific lockdown guidelines and procedures. They stated, "Even at this critical moment, someone is making money," and criticized, "Some stores can open, others cannot. A cucumber sells for 12 yuan each, and a head of cabbage sells for 43 yuan." They continued, "Buses are packed, but taxis cannot take three passengers; restaurants are full, but outdoor parks are closed," and condemned, "This contradiction is by no means scientific."

According to local media, Xining, the capital of Qinghai Province, has been under city lockdown since the 21st, implementing work-from-home and life management measures. In particular, after a COVID-19 case was confirmed at a fruit and vegetable distribution center, all stored food, including packaged items, was discarded, leading to a food shortage crisis.

Guangzhou, one of the four major economic cities, has closed some apartment complexes and public facilities, and in-person school classes have been suspended. Foxconn’s factory in Zhengzhou, which manufactures iPhones, has quarantined some employees due to confirmed cases, and the remaining staff are restricted from leaving their dormitories and factory premises. Posts and videos exposing poor lunchboxes, medical services, and cleaning are spreading on Weibo and other online platforms. Additionally, lockdowns and strengthened prevention measures in places like Xi’an and Wuhan have also sparked voices of discontent.

The situation in Beijing, the heart of China, is also becoming serious. Universal Studios, a representative tourist attraction, suspended operations of its theme park and hotels starting the 26th. In the bustling area near Wangjing SOHO, confirmed cases led to the closure of large supermarkets, coffee shops, bakeries, and other stores, and some apartment buildings with confirmed cases were placed under quarantine. The Beijing Marathon, which had raised hopes as a signal of easing epidemic controls, was postponed indefinitely.

Local media report that efforts are being made to control outbreaks in a more targeted manner. The Chinese state-run English newspaper Global Times reported the previous day, "Unlike large cities such as Shanghai, the virus has swept through small and medium-sized cities with poor medical resources and limited control experience," adding, "Rapid spread is seen in Shanxi, Fujian, and Qinghai." It emphasized, "In Xining, which is under management, efforts are being made to increase food supply and stabilize prices of daily necessities to ensure residents’ livelihoods." Exceptionally, it noted, "Difficulty in purchasing local vegetables and meat has sparked public anger, and some areas reportedly face challenges in accessing doctors," but focused mainly on the extensive efforts made by local governments.

Meanwhile, Nomura Securities analyzed that as of the 24th of this month, about 207 million Chinese people are affected by lockdowns in 28 cities. The scale accounts for approximately 25% of China’s GDP, estimated at about 25.6 trillion yuan (approximately 501.76 trillion won) based on last year’s GDP.

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