Chinese President Xi Jinping salutes Wuhan under shadow of coronavirus pandemic threat
- Xi lauds frontline workers and residents at the outbreak’s epicentre to boost morale and support for the Communist Party
- Trip also an attempt to send a message to the world about ‘the strength of China’s political system’
The much-anticipated visit – about three months after first cases were reported in the provincial capital of Hubei province – was carefully orchestrated to boost domestic morale and seize back the narrative.
Having come under heavy criticism from overseas initially, Beijing is now portraying its containment efforts as a heroic fight showcasing the Chinese people’s spirit as well as the strength of the country’s unique political system.
By making the symbolic visit, Xi sent a message to the world that the extreme measures undertaken by his authoritarian government were “highly effective”, said Shi Yinhong, a professor of international relations at Renmin University and a government adviser.
“It also tells developing countries that China’s experience, if not its governance model, is worth learning or using as a reference,” Shi said.