Like Hong Kong, the mainland’s hospital system and society are not yet prepared to handle an explosion of Covid-19 cases. In the long run, Beijing must look to live with the virus on its own terms, or risk its Covid-19 accomplishments coming to naught, like Hong Kong’s.
The US and China clearly have fundamentally different views on what defines a democracy. Beijing’s attempt to explain its system of governance to the world is a positive move in fostering understanding.
Beijing has proved its determination to raise standards and improve China’s economy and society over the years. Its ambition to try and meet the trade pact’s stringent requirements makes a powerful statement to the world of its resolve.