China’s zero-Covid policy aids economy, limits ‘destructive power’ of lifting curbs, watchdog says

Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) says China’s existing policies have proved cost-effective by isolating affected communities

China has maintained a zero-tolerance approach, but some analysts have forecast a decline in economic growth this year

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China has maintained a zero-tolerance approach, shutting down transmission routes whenever they arise, ordering mass testing programmes and maintaining mask mandates. Photo: AFP

Published: 1:15pm, 18 Feb 2022

China’s “dynamic clearance” strategy aimed at minimising coronavirus infections is boosting the economy, not undermining it, the country’s top anti-corruption body said on Friday in response to concerns about the prospects for growth this year.

As other countries relax restrictions, China has maintained a zero-tolerance approach, shutting down transmission routes whenever they arise, ordering mass testing programmes and maintaining mask mandates.

Some analysts have forecast a decline in economic growth this year, saying the challenge posed by the more infectious Omicron variant would significantly raise containment costs and further disrupt China’s supply chains.

But the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI), the ruling Communist Party’s corruption watchdog, said in an article posted on its website that existing policies had proved cost-effective by isolating affected communities and allowing others to operate normally.

It said the shift to a more “precise” and targeted approach to locking down outbreaks had “reduced the impact on economic and social development”.