China’s failing covid strategy leaves Xi Jinping with no good options

China’s failing covid strategy leaves Xi Jinping with no good options
'Big Whites', the nickname for covid workers in white protective overalls, have become icons of unaccountable coercion. (Image: Getty)
The Economist
Readers of the People’s Daily, the Communist party’s official mouthpiece, could scan the issue of Nov 29 and come away thinking that the fight against covid-19 is going splendidly. A front-page commentary on Xi Jinping’s first decade as China’s leader praised him for controlling the pandemic, stabilising the economy and defusing crises. Of the surging number of new infections, of the dire state of the economy owing to widespread, strict and enduring public-health restrictions, and of the protests that have erup...

More World

Trump lifts sanctions on Syria as it holds talks on diplomatic ties with Israel
World

Trump lifts sanctions on Syria as it holds talks on diplomatic ties with Israel

Foes Israel and Syria have been talking for weeks, officials say.

Oil prices fall over 6% after Iran attacks US military base
World

Oil prices fall over 6% after Iran attacks US military base

A US defence official said there were no known American casualties.

AFP 24 Jun 2025
CEO pink: This muted, dusty shade means power in the office
The Life

CEO pink: This muted, dusty shade means power in the office

In this hue, ‘I can totally own a situation,’ says one exec.