“All services in all regions should reinforce their sense of urgency. “Any appropriate measures should be implemented whenever possible,” Li Keqiang said, according to state broadcaster CCTV.
He added that these support measures should aim at a “quick return to normal” for an economy that has shown signs of “clear weakness” since March, and especially in April.
For several months now, China has been facing an epidemic resurgence that has affected different parts of the country to varying degrees.
As part of the ‘zero cases’ of covid-19 health strategy, many cities have been restricted, including the large city of Shanghai, which greatly affects production and consumption.
China on Monday revealed its worst economic performance in two years, as the unemployment rate rose last month to 6.1% – close to an all-time high.
An economic slowdown threatens Beijing’s 5.5% growth target in a politically sensitive year that is expected to see President Xi Jinping’s reappointment as leader of the Chinese Communist Party.
The ‘no issues’ strategy advocated by the government is increasingly being contested by the general public and the business community in particular, who are concerned about the threats the lockdown poses to activity.
China appears to be increasingly self-isolating: the borders are closed to most foreign travelers, and the country has canceled or postponed several international sports competitions in recent days, in the name of the health situation.
The state no longer issues new passports to its citizens, unless they can justify the need to go abroad – for example, accept a job or continue studies.
William Shakespeare is a journalist and feature writer specialising in culture, entertainment, history, and current affairs. With a keen eye for storytelling and analysis, he produces informative articles that help readers understand the people, ideas, and events influencing modern life.
