Xi Jinping admits challenges in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic but calls for a new phase

MADRID, 18 Ene. (EUROPA PRESS) -

The President of China, Xi Jinping, affirmed this Wednesday that the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic has entered a new phase after the change in strategy in December and has called for continuing to persevere in the face of the challenges that, he assumes, are still pending. .

In an unprecedented speech to the nation on the occasion of the upcoming Lunar New Year, Xi has pointed out that the coronavirus outbreak has been "fierce", but has called not to throw in the towel. "Dawn is ahead," he has assured her, according to statements collected by the Bloomberg agency.

Xi has expressed concern about the spread of the virus in rural areas and has urged local authorities to exercise extreme precautions, as well as improve medical assistance for citizens.

The Chinese government turned the page in December on the 'zero COVID' policy, which involved indiscriminate restrictions at the slightest suspicion of an uncontrolled outbreak. He did so after recent unprecedented social protests in China and prior to the full opening of borders.

The international community has watched with concern the rebound in COVID-19 cases and the lack of transparency from the authorities. Last weekend, the Government acknowledged the death of almost 60,000 people after the end of the main control measures.