On the sidelines of the G20 Summit at the weekend, the United States and India unveiled proposals for what has been termed the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) with the backing of the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Israel, and Jordan, as well as officials from the EU.
The project, billed as an alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), seeks to build a commercial route from India through to Europe via the Arabian Peninsula, Israel, and then the Mediterranean Sea. Unsurprisingly, the project’s significance was inflated by the press as “historic” and a “blindside” challenge to Beijing that would doom China’s own mega-infrastructure project. But such conclusions are misleading, for many reasons. First, not every participant in this new initiative is squarely opposed to China and sees it, as the US does, as a zero-sum game. The Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Jordan, are not anti-Beijing at all and are part of the BRI themselves. These countries, seeking to diversify their economies from dependency on oil revenue, are seeking new options to consolidate their wealth and thus courting large-scale foreign investments, including from China itself. They want to make themselves the “crossroads” of the world, they do not see such a project through the lens of containment or even geopolitical rivalry, but as creating more benefits for themselves. If Saudi Arabia can get Chinese and Indian cargo going through their country, that’s a double win – it never had to be an “either-or” arrangement for Riyadh.Second, parts of this new route are co-opted from China itself. The Haifa Port in Israel was, until recently, mostly under China’s control (India’s Adani Group acquired 70% of the stake in July), while Piraeus Port in Athens was controlled by Chinese shipping company, Cosco. The railroad infrastructure linking Greece with Central Europe is also part of the BRI. Another Chinese-owned commercial port exists on that same route in the Indian Ocean – Gwadar Port in Pakistan, which is part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). This means that China itself can use multiple parts of the proposed transport route, and the IMEC project does not really undercut Beijing to the extent it’s being portrayed – and all of the co-opted countries would be pretty happy for that. Third, this project could end up in the growing graveyard of pledged, and failed, BRI alternatives, which come at a rate of approximately one per year. It wasn’t that long ago that the US and its allies in the G7 were launching Build Back Better W (B3W), or the Global Partnership for Infrastructure Investment, or the Blue Dot Network. None of these projects have the coordinated hierarchical superstructure that the Chinese state does, which allows projects to be cooperated and rolled out at breakneck pace, nor do they have the readily accessible financial resources to take off. If China seeks to build a high-speed railway, for example, the Communist Party can coordinate a bank to fund it, a railway company to build it, and a supply chain to stock it, all in one organized motion. The US does not have the power to do that, unless of course it comes down to military and defense spending, such as the bottomless pit of aid to Ukraine, and therefore is unable to compete. All other spending in Washington is part of the never-ending political battle in the Congress, where every single non-military penny must be fought for, tooth and nail, in a serious process. It’s why its own national infrastructure is increasingly shoddy, and, to use the above example for comparison, American high-speed railways remain underdeveloped by generous definition and non-existent compared to China.Finally, the IMEC is tiny compared to what the BRI aims to achieve. While IMEC wants to connect the Middle East to the Indian subcontinent (which also benefits China), the BRI has been working on not just one, but multiple economic corridors all over the planet. This includes comprehensively connecting the Eurasian landmass through huge railways spanning Russia, Central Asia and Mongolia, making it possible for a train from Shanghai to arrive in London, but also creating a new route to the sea through Pakistan (CPEC), connecting South East Asia by land through new railroads going through Laos and into Thailand, as well as a route which spans West Asia through Turkey and another Indian subcontinent foray with the China-Myanmar Corridor. In conclusion, the US has been desperate to rival the Belt and Road Initiative, but has never been able to produce anything of the same scale or vision, all the while repeatedly ignoring the reality that transcontinental infrastructure routes are not “zero-sum games” because their results ultimately benefit everyone, which in China’s perspective has always been the focus of the BRI itself as a “win-win” initiative. Despite that, each new branded “alternative” comes with the same hype that “this time” China’s project has met its match. No, it really hasn’t, but thanks for creating a new route which Chinese cargo can use in the meantime.
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Going green and adopting environmentally friendly practices are important steps towards sustainability and mitigating climate change. However, it is true that some aspects of going green can have potential toxic costs. Here are a few examples:
It is crucial to acknowledge these toxic costs and strive for sustainable solutions that minimize or eliminate such risks. Constant research and development are essential to improve the environmental performance of green technologies and ensure that they are produced and disposed of responsibly. The Mini EV Yep is a true testament to the innovative strides made in the realm of electric vehicles. With its compact size and impressive features, it offers a unique and refreshing take on urban mobility. As a proud owner of the Yep, I can confidently say that it has exceeded my expectations in multiple aspects.
First and foremost, the Mini EV Yep's design is nothing short of delightful. Its small footprint makes it ideal for maneuvering through crowded city streets and tight parking spaces. The sleek curves and modern aesthetic give it an attractive and stylish appeal. It's a head-turner wherever it goes, and I've received numerous compliments on its charming exterior. Despite its compact size, the Yep doesn't compromise on interior comfort. The cabin is surprisingly spacious, providing ample legroom and headspace for both the driver and passengers. The seats are supportive and comfortable, making longer journeys a breeze. The overall build quality is impressive, with a solid and sturdy feel that belies its small stature. One of the most impressive features of the Mini EV Yep is its range. Despite its diminutive size, it boasts an impressive electric range that has proven more than sufficient for my daily commutes and errands. The lithium-ion battery pack delivers reliable performance and can be easily charged at home or at public charging stations. The regenerative braking system further enhances efficiency, allowing for maximum utilization of energy. Driving the Yep is an absolute pleasure. Its nimble handling and responsive steering make it an agile companion in congested city traffic. The instant torque provided by the electric motor ensures swift acceleration, allowing for quick maneuvers when needed. It's an absolute joy to zip around town in the Yep, effortlessly navigating through tight turns and narrow streets. In terms of technology and connectivity, the Mini EV Yep doesn't disappoint. The infotainment system is intuitive and user-friendly, providing access to various entertainment and navigation features. Bluetooth connectivity and USB ports allow for seamless integration with smartphones and other devices. The Yep also offers a range of driver-assist features, including parking sensors and a rearview camera, making parking and maneuvering easier and safer. While the Mini EV Yep is undoubtedly a remarkable vehicle, it's essential to note its limitations. Due to its compact size, storage space is somewhat limited, making it less suitable for long trips or carrying bulky items. Additionally, the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles is still developing in many regions, which can occasionally pose a challenge for extended journeys. Overall, the Mini EV Yep is an outstanding choice for urban dwellers seeking a compact and eco-friendly vehicle. Its charming design, impressive range, and agile performance make it a standout in its class. With its affordability and low running costs, it's a practical and environmentally conscious choice for daily commuting. If you're in the market for a small electric vehicle that doesn't compromise on style or functionality, the Mini EV Yep is definitely worth considering. Once upon a time, in the vast expanse of the ocean, a remarkable vessel called the Titan Submarine was about to embark on a historic journey. Its mission was to dive deep into the frigid waters of the North Atlantic and visit a legendary relic of the past—the RMS Titanic.
The Titanic, an iconic ocean liner that tragically sank over a century ago, captured the imagination of people around the world. Countless stories and myths surrounded the ill-fated vessel, making it a symbol of both human ambition and the power of the sea. Led by Captain William Reynolds, a seasoned and adventurous explorer, the team aboard the Titan Submarine prepared for the expedition. The vessel had been specially modified for this unique mission, equipped with state-of-the-art technology to navigate the treacherous depths and capture the wonders hidden within the wreckage. As the Titan Submarine descended into the darkness, anticipation filled the hearts of the crew. The submarine's powerful lights pierced through the gloom, revealing the haunting silhouette of the sunken Titanic. The vessel lay silently on the ocean floor, a poignant reminder of the tragedy that unfolded so many years ago. Carefully maneuvering through the debris, the crew marveled at the sight before them. They used remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) equipped with cameras and robotic arms to explore the Titanic's remains. Every inch of the ship was meticulously documented, capturing the details of its structure and preserving the memory of those lost. As the crew ventured deeper into the Titanic, they discovered a world frozen in time. Personal belongings, once cherished by passengers, lay scattered on the ocean floor. The remains of the grand staircase, once the epitome of opulence, still hinted at the ship's former grandeur. The scientists and historians onboard the Titan Submarine meticulously studied the wreckage, uncovering new insights into the ship's final moments. They pieced together the puzzle of the Titanic's demise, examining the impact of the iceberg, the structural failures, and the human stories of survival and sacrifice. Through their discoveries, the team aimed to honor the memory of the Titanic's passengers and crew while advancing our understanding of maritime safety. Their findings would contribute to improved ship design, emergency protocols, and the preservation of human life at sea. Days turned into weeks as the crew continued their meticulous exploration. The Titan Submarine became a symbol of hope and human resilience, reminding the world of the lessons learned from the Titanic disaster. The expedition sparked a renewed interest in maritime history and safety, inspiring future generations to pursue similar endeavors. Finally, as their mission came to an end, the crew of the Titan Submarine bid farewell to the Titanic, knowing they had fulfilled their duty to commemorate and understand this historic event. With hearts full of reverence, they began their ascent to the surface, carrying with them a newfound appreciation for the delicate balance between human ambition and the unpredictable power of the sea. The story of the Titan Submarine's journey to the Titanic would forever be etched in history, a testament to the indomitable spirit of exploration and the enduring legacy of a legendary ship. It would serve as a reminder that even in the depths of tragedy, there is knowledge to be gained, and from that knowledge, lessons to be learned. In the realm of classic automobiles, the Crosley CC Convertible stands as a symbol of timeless elegance and vintage charm. Revered for its compact design and distinctive features, the Crosley CC Convertible brings forth a nostalgic aura while incorporating modern conveniences. This essay delves into the unique characteristics and enduring appeal of the Crosley CC Convertible, shedding light on its legacy and capturing the hearts of automotive enthusiasts.
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Along with other EU members, Italy has been caught up in rising tensions between the US and China that have been exacerbated due to Beijing’s close ties with Moscow. “Given the state of relations between the US and China, we cannot remain an ally of the US and at the same time remain in the BRI,” Stefano Stefanini, Italy’s former ambassador to NATO, was cited as saying by the FT. “We have to try to negotiate a peaceful — or [the] least damaging possible — exit with the Chinese.” Bloomberg reported last month that Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni intended to make an announcement on Italy’s participation in the BRI before the G7 summit in May, but was still undecided as to whether the memorandum of understanding should be scrapped or renewed. Reports earlier this week claimed that the Italian premier had previously assured US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy that her government was in favor of an exit. The purported plans have triggered deep concern in Italy’s business community, already reeling from sanctions on Russia, as the post-Covid reopening of the Chinese market is viewed as offering significant prospects. Italian exports to China saw a year-on-year surge of 92.5% in the first quarter of 2023, mostly boosted by a short-term increase in sales of pharmaceuticals.
“A possible withdrawal would lead to a cooling of bilateral relations at a historic moment in which companies and professionals are experiencing a frenzy and a desire to return to the Chinese market,” Mario Boselli, president of the Italy China Council Foundation, told the FT. The Belt and Road Initiative, unveiled by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013, envisages linking China with Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas through a network of seaports, railways, roads, and industrial parks. It is expected to provide effective connectivity and boost China’s cooperation with more than 80 countries around the world. The main goal of the project is stated as promoting peace through trade and development. Chinese auto makers have embarked on a major expansion in the Russian market and are expected to reach a 60% share of total sales this year, the newspaper Izvestia reported on Monday, citing car-dealer chain Autodom.
According to the report, in the first half of 2022 the share of Chinese car brands in the Russian market stood at 3.7%, a figure that rose to almost 33% in the second half. Overall car sales in Russia last year decreased by 58.8% to 687,000 units, the Association of European Businesses (AEB) calculated. Chery, Haval and Geely were named the most popular Chinese car brands in Russia. Their share in the country’s market will continue to grow in 2023, according to the CEO of Autodom Andrey Olkhovsky. Meanwhile, the Association of Russian Automobile Dealers told Izvestia that it expects around 785,000 new car sales in Russia this year, of which at least 250,000 (32%) will be Chinese made. According to market expert Viktor Kondrashin, the lack of competition leads to an increase in prices for models such as Geely and Haval. He told the newspaper that “new models of Chinese crossovers currently cost the same as Volvo or Skoda two years ago.” .Kondrashin believes that domestic car prices could moderate when deliveries of automobiles from Iran start to arrive. The popularity of Chinese automobiles in Russia has been rising amid the exodus of European, American, and Japanese brands. Many automakers found it difficult to continue operations in the country due to logistical disruptions resulting from Western sanctions, particularly after deliveries of cars and spare parts to Russia were stopped. It is a Cessna with the flight number OE-FGR. The airplane, registered in Austria, started in Jerez in southern Spain and was actually supposed to land in Cologne/Bonn. But after take-off, the machine reported pressure problems in the cabin. Then contact broke off shortly behind the Iberian Peninsula. Spanish and French fighter jets took off to check the situation on the private plane. But the pilots could not make out anyone in the cockpit or in the cabin. Attempts to make contact by radio also failed. On board there was a pilot, a woman, a man and the daughter on board.
Traces of oil and debris were discovered at the crash site, a spokesman for the Swedish Coast Guard told STV. There is probably no hope for the occupants of the plane. Aviation security expert Hans Kjäll told Swedish news agency TT pressure problems could have caused passengers to lose consciousness.
According to the expert, this can happen quickly, especially at altitudes where small aircraft are flying. Verdi union said workers walked out in all major German North Sea ports, with the action set to last until Saturday. At 6am on Thursday employees on the early shift in Bremen and Bremerhaven stopped work, Verdi district manager of Bremen-Nordniedersachsen, Markus Westermann, said. The work stoppages are planned until 6am on Saturday. A strike has also begun at the port of Hamburg, said Stephan Gastmeier, trade union secretary in the transport and maritime department at Verdi Hamburg. The industrial action is because no agreement over pay has been reached with the Central Association of German Seaport Operators (ZDS) following the latest meeting on Wednesday, union bosses said. Negotiations are currently suspended. The union is negotiating for about 12,000 workers in 58 companies in Hamburg, Lower Saxony and Bremen who are covered by collective agreements. Dockworkers have already left ship and cargo handling at a standstill twice in June, most recently for 24 hours on June 23rd. According to Verdi negotiator Maya Schwiegershausen-Güth, the latest 48-hour ‘warning strikes’ will affect Emden, Wilhelmshaven and Brake, as well as Hamburg, which is the largest seaport in Germany and third largest in Europe. Like many unions across Europe, they are fighting for wage increases amid extreme inflation rises. Verdi is demanding an increase in wages of €1.20 per hour for employees as well as compensation for inflation amounting to 7.4 percent for the duration of the collective agreement which is 12 months. The union also wants to push through an increase in the annual allowance for container operations by €1,200.
Container congestion likely to worsen The impact of the strike on the handling of container and cargo ships is likely to be considerable and bring the loading and unloading of ships largely to a standstill. This will further aggravate the already tense situation with ship congestion on the North Sea, and the processes at the quaysides are likely to get even more out of step. Container ships have been piling up in the North Sea, while ports are becoming storage areas. ZDS negotiator Ulrike Riedel called the strike “irresponsible” in view of the disrupted supply chains and said it was to the detriment of consumers and businesses. Due to the Covid pandemic, the global traffic of container and cargo ships has been in chaos for several months. According to recent calculations by the Kiel Institute for the World Economy, more than two percent of global freight capacity is stuck in the North Sea. There are currently around 20 cargo shops waiting in the German bay area for clearance, most of them bound for Hamburg. G7 nations are to invest as much as $600 billion into the infrastructure of less-prosperous nations around the world, with the US footing one third of the bill over the next five years. The announcement was made on Sunday in Germany, with the money supposed to rival the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative. Flanked by other leaders of the G7 group, US President Joe Biden said Western countries were committing to “financing for quality, high-standard, sustainable infrastructure in developing and middle-income countries.” Without mentioning China by name, he said that what the G7 were doing was “fundamentally different because it’s grounded on our shared values”.
The US has long accused China of weaponizing its wealth by investing heavily into countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The Trump administration claimed Beijing was pursuing “debt trap diplomacy” towards its borrowers, offering loans that the recipients ultimately can’t pay back and taking already built infrastructure as collateral. China rejects the claim, saying that its global infrastructure investments, which are estimated at $2.5 trillion, benefits both itself and the target countries. Much of the money goes into things like roads and ports, giving China increased physical access to foreign resources and markets. Since its launch almost a decade ago, the US and its allies have struggled to offer an alternative to the Chinese program. Last year, during a meeting in Cornwall in the UK, G7 nations announced their own version, named “Build Back Better World” (BBBW) to mirror the domestic plan of the Biden administration that was ultimately shunned by Republicans and some Democrats. BBBW was then renamed the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII). “This isn’t aid or charity,” Biden said on Sunday, during his speech in Schloss Elmau in Germany. “It’s an investment that will deliver returns for everyone, including the American people and the people of all our nations.” “It’ll boost all of our economies, and it’s a chance for us to share our positive vision for the future and let communities around the world see themselves – and see for themselves the concrete benefits of partnering with democracies,” he said.The $200 billion commitment from the US is to be covered by a combination of federal government money with private capital from investors like pension funds, private equity and insurance funds. The EU announced its own €300 billion ($317bn) answer to Belt and Road in December last year. The White House said PGII investments will focus on four key areas, including climate resilient infrastructure and energy sources, secure communications, projects advancing gender equality and healthcare. Biden said there were “dozens of projects already underway” and gave a handful of examples. Those included, $14 million in support of Romanian efforts to build a small modular reactor (SMR) plant; a $600 million contract to build an undersea telecommunications cable to connect Singapore to France via the Middle East and the Horn of Africa; and a $320 million private development project to build hospitals in Cote d’Ivoire. Some publications like Politico noted that the Western investment plans were already undermined in terms of combating climate change. While still relevant, they took a backseat due to hiking energy prices and the EU’s plans to decouple from Russia, which led some members to rely again on coal-fired power plants instead. There is also the issue of high inflation in the US and the EU, which affects the value of the dollar and the euro, potentially reducing the actual impact of the allocated funding in the long run. US gasoline prices averaged more than $5 per gallon on Saturday, setting a new all-time high, data from the American Automobile Association (AAA) shows. According to the non-profit AAA, which tracks prices at more than 60,000 gas stations across the country, the national average price for regular unleaded gas rose to $5.004 per gallon on June 11 from $4.986 the day before. The highest prices have traditionally been recorded in the state of California, at up to $6.43 per gallon, and the lowest in Georgia, at $4.46 per gallon. Data shows that US fuel prices have now more than doubled since US President Joe Biden was inaugurated in January 2021, when a gallon of gasoline cost only $2.39 on average.
The Biden administration has been determined to curb the soaring prices, which have propelled inflation to four-decade highs. The government has ordered a record-large release of barrels from US strategic reserves, suspended a rule prohibiting the sale of higher-ethanol blend gasoline during the summer, and pressured the major producers of OPEC to boost production. However, these efforts have so far proven futile in the face of rebounding post-pandemic demand and Ukraine-related sanctions on Russia, including a US embargo on Russian oil. The pandemic-induced decline in US refining capacity has also contributed to the price surge, as at least five refineries in the country have reportedly been shut down during the past two years. Amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, the United Kingdom Defence Ministry has said that Russia has likely deployed an operational company of BMP-T Terminator tank support vehicles in Severodonetsk. This is an area that remains Russia's immediate tactical priority in the Ukraine war. The UK Defence Ministry further stated that the presence of the BMP-T Terminator tank indicates that the Central Grouping of Forces (CGF) has been deployed in the military offensive. Media reports suggest Russia has about nine of the armoured vehicles, which are built on the chassis of the T-72 tank.
The Terminator, which has the official designation BMPT, is heavily armoured and armed, designed to defend tanks from ambushes and attacks at close range in urban settings. Terminators have four anti-tank missile launchers, two 30 mm autocannons, two grenade launchers, a machine gun, and a top speed of 36 mph, The Times of London reported. What is BMP-T Terminator? Terminator or BMPT is a tank support fighting system developed by Russia. Experts say that Russia developed the Terminator after recognising the power of main tanks used in war-torn areas of Afghanistan and Syria. It was designed to protect Russian tanks against enemy infantry. This tank provides close support to its other tanks and armoured fighting vehicles during battles in urban areas. It is said that the system was first showcased 9 years ago in the year 2013 at the Russian Arms Expo held at Nizhny Tagil. Guerrilla warfare tactics used by the Chechen fighters in Grozny during the First Chechen War in 1995 led to the development of this weapon system as many Russian tanks were lost in the urban fighting. Speciality of the BMP-T Terminator The Terminator or the Boyevaya Mashina Podderzhki Tankov (BMPT), is a tank support fighting vehicle developed by Russia. It is is heavily armoured and armed, designed to defend tanks from ambushes and attacks at close range in urban settings:
It also destroys lightly and heavily armoured targets, posing a risk of falling enemy helicopters, drones and low-altitude aircraft. The manufacturer claims that a single Terminator can replace two conventional BMPs and an infantry platoon. Ex-Formula One chief executive Bernie Ecclestone was taken into police custody on Wednesday after he allegedly tried to take a gun with him to Switzerland on a private flight from Brazil. Local police confirmed that they found an un-documented LW Seecamp .32 gun in the 91-year-old's luggage during an X-ray screening, with Globo in Brazil saying that the item, which was not loaded, had been placed in a shirt pocket. After the discovery, Ecclestone was then apprehended and taken to a police facility at Campinas' Viracopos International Airport around 50 miles from the largest city in the country, Sao Paulo.
Ecclestone has a Brazilian wife, Fabiana Ecclestone, who is a member of the World Motor Sport Council and also motorsport global governing body the FIA's vice-president. The couple attended several events across her homeland this month, including a stock car race in the Sao Paulo state countryside, while also meeting with three-time F1 champion Nelson Piquet in the capital Brasilia. Yet their time in South America's biggest country ended with a brush with the law. And while Ecclestone owned up to owning the gun, which he allegedly bought five years ago from an F1 mechanic to store in a rural property in Sao Paulo, he claimed to be unaware that it was in his luggage. After paying a R$6,060 ($1,250) bail, the Brit billionaire was freed to continue his trip to Switzerland. Spending 40 years as Formula One's chief, Ecclestone stepped down from his role in 2017. The football shirt worn by Diego Maradona when scoring his iconic 'Hand of God' goal against England at the 1986 World Cup has been sold for £7.14 million ($8.9 million) at auction, smashing an all-time the record for sports memorabilia.
A group of Argentines had reportedly arrived in London looking to prevent the sale by Sotheby's, with the item previously owned by ex-Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Steve Hodge. Hodge played in his country's 2-1 quarter-final defeat to the eventual winners of the Mexico-held tournament, Argentina, and then swapped shirts with Maradona, who passed away in late 2020. In four inspired minutes at the start of the second half with the match still scoreless, Maradona first rose above Peter Shilton to punch the ball past the imposing 'keeper before later famously claiming it was the 'Hand of God' that put Argentina 1-0 up. For his second effort, Maradona embarked on a genius slalom run past a number of hapless Three Lions stars from his own half to slide the ball past Shilton and complete what was later voted the 'Goal of the Century'. Managing to exchange tops with Maradona at full time after England could not capitalize on an 81st-minute Gary Lineker consolation, Hodge had previously loaned the garment to the National Football Museum in Manchester for 20 years. China's "zero coronavirus" policy is facing a serious dilemma. The authorities there have imposed extremely severe movement restrictions to try and stamp out all traces of the virus, and this has got some results. But the long lockdown in Shanghai, the country's largest hub of international commerce, is inevitably starting to put a drag on the economy.
China's harsh lockdown measures are premised on successes in tamping down the outbreak in Wuhan, Hubei province, where the virus was first reported. The measures got infections under control far more quickly than in Europe or the United States, and boosted Chinese President Xi Jinping's power at home. Then came the highly infectious omicron variant. Omicron spread, and the prevention methods focused on containment that were effective in Wuhan have had far less impact. In Shanghai, residents are barred from going outside, and even getting food is becoming more difficult. There have been cases reported of people with chronic health conditions dying because they could not access proper treatment. And some analysis suggests that these severe movement limitations have been expanded to cover dozens of cities. The resulting blow to the Chinese economy has been significant. The supply chain has been badly disrupted by production halts and clogged logistics channels. Economic growth for the January to March quarter was sluggish, falling far below the annualized target of "about 5.5%." Many observers both at home and abroad are sounding the alarm, but President Xi has insisted that "victory is a matter of sticking to" the lockdown measures. His stance is a marked contrast to the shift in other countries toward "living with the coronavirus." Each country is faced with deciding how to prevent the virus's spread. China, as the most populous nation on Earth, has not been able to build a healthcare system capable of covering all its many citizens. We understand that the prospect of an infection wave would be highly disconcerting to Chinese authorities. However, international cooperation is indispensable for any effort to confront a global pandemic. And China, as the world's second-largest economy in an era when countries are ever more dependent on one another, has a major role to play. One major worry is that continuing the "zero coronavirus" policy will become an end in itself for the Chinese government. We wonder if so much stock has been put into this policy as proof of the Chinese Communist Party's fitness to rule, that it has become difficult for the government to respond flexibly to changes in the situation. One senior Chinese government official stated emphatically that "it is a mistaken idea to try to live with the virus." However, the coronavirus crisis is likely to be with us for the long haul, and we are at a point where a flexible approach taking both the virus and the functioning of society is called into account. Obsessing over past success could very well damage the "stability" so prized by the Xi government. |
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