China’s reckless and deliberate downplaying of the coronavirus risks in order to save face has had disastrous consequences for the world.

How Chinese President Xi Jinping failed to manage the coronavirus outbreak
China’s reckless and deliberate downplaying of the coronavirus risks in order to save face has had disastrous consequences for the world.

he coronavirus marks the biggest challenge for Chinese President Xi Jinping since he took control of the country in 2012.

Tens of millions remain in quarantine, economic growth forecasts have been slashed, countries around the world have closed their borders to Chinese arrivals and people are furious with the authoritarian government.

The virus has now infected more than 83,000 people around the world, with 2800 deaths. While the vast majority of these cases are contained to China, it’s now spread to every continent besides Antarctica, prompting fears of a pandemic.

Mr Xi – and his obsession with ascending China to a leading global superpower – is largely to blame.

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