The PLA Daily published (April 8) a front-page Xie Xinping (解辛平 --a pen name that stands for PLA news commentary -- about China’s “extraordinary journey” in the management of the coronavirus outbreak. The article was divided into nine parts. Each part highlighted a characteristic of China’s response to the epidemic. 

 

i) Xie praised Xi Jinping for “always putting people’s lives, security, and health in the first place,” “personally leading the battle,” and being so “emotionally connected” with the people;

 ii) Xie lauded the CCP’s strong organizational system and centralized leadership, the 90 million CCP members, and party organizations at all levels. Xie described the flying bright red Party flags throughout the country as the “lighthouse that unites people’s hearts;” 

 iii) Xie applauded China’s national governance system that allowed for a large-scale national mobilization of resources, including medical supplies. It pointed out that the Chinese government was able to coordinate the quarantine and treatment of patients, put together experts, and collect resources. It used the building of two hospitals in less than two weeks as an example;

 iv) Xie praised China’s scientific and technological innovation capacity, strong economy and manufacturing capabilities, which have been tested throughout this instance of “logistical support warfare;” 

 v) Xie praised the PLA’s fight against the virus in places like the “Huoshenshan” (火神山) hospital, where they fought “as bravely and fearlessly” as if they were at war;

 vi) Xie praised China's “strong national defense and strong army” for swiftly responding to the epidemic and continuing its military training. It pointed out that the PLA had continued to petrol the Spratly Islands and train in the East China Sea region while delivering supplies to Wuhan;

 vii) Xie paid tribute to all Chinese people who contributed themselves to the battle against the coronavirus, including medical workers, scientists, community workers, police offices, and grassroots cadres;

 viii) Xie praised the “great national spirit” (伟大民族精神) that the Chinese people demonstrated through this epidemic, stating that it is “a symbol of China’s national spiritual strength (精神国力);” 

 ix) Xie concluded by reiterating the crucial role of the CCP as the most essential feature of the nation. It stressed that the Party had won widespread praise from its people and that the Chinese people had demonstrated to the world their confidence, willpower, and strong unity.