Part 12/15:
However, skepticism persists over whether the country can balance reopening with controlling public health outcomes. The timing of the Lunar New Year pilgrimage—expected to involve over two billion trips—poses a significant risk of widespread transmission, especially to rural areas with limited healthcare access.
On the social front, Chinese citizens are increasingly questioning their leadership’s handling of the pandemic. Radio and social media contain critiques of the abrupt policy shift and its fallout, reflecting a shift in public trust. Meanwhile, President Xi Jinping’s government aims to project confidence, with official statements emphasizing that the worst may now be behind them.