A People’s Daily commentary under the highly authoritative pen name Ren Zhongping (任仲平), standing for “important People’s Daily commentary”, while reflecting on the Chinese nation’s responses to the COVID-19 epidemic, specifically praised Xi Jinping’s leadership, listing his key meetings and inspection tours, as well as several of his “powerful and resonating” remarks on the epidemic. The commentary stated that “only in China, only under the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party” could communications, utilities, supplies, and social order continue throughout such a massive epidemic. The piece glowingly described China’s international cooperation as demonstrative of its benevolent and responsible behavior and praised the people of Wuhan and Hubei, describing their quarantine as a “deeply moving sacrifice respectfully offered.” Expressing gratitude for medical staff, community cadres, everyday workers and volunteers in Wuhan, the deceased, and party members in Wuhan, it stressed that such systemic and large-scale mobilization was attributed to the strength of China’s model of governance. The commentary emphasized that Xi Jinping had demanded the reform of any “shortcomings and deficiencies” in the government that were exposed during this epidemic. It expressed optimism about China’s economic stability and achieving development goals. The article also reflected on future policy goals flowing from the lessons of the epidemic, such as: modernization of government after the weaknesses of “some leading cadres” were exposed; increased risk awareness; “the harmonious symbiosis of mankind and nature,”; and the promotion of a “community of shared future for mankind”.
|
