The Chinese government faces a dilemma in continuing its zero-COVID policy as it risks losing people's trust or sacrificing people's health. The country has invested too much in the policy, and it is seen as a proof that the Chinese government is better than any other government system.
The Chinese government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic was seen as effective as they locked down entire cities and instituted mass testing. The government has used their success in controlling the virus as validation for their model of governance.
Despite China's vaccination efforts and the UK's booster program, rising cases in Germany and lack of vaccination among vulnerable populations continue to raise alarm about the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The US government's response to the coronavirus and its subsequent impact on other countries' responses is discussed, as well as the potential diplomatic implications of assigning blame for the outbreak.
The suppression of voices sounding the alarm in the early days of the COVID-19 outbreak led to significant loss of life. The lack of civil and political rights in countries like China can lead to governments prioritizing their own interests over the well-being of their citizens in times of crisis.