Editorial | More remains to be done after landmark visit by Xi Jinping to Wuhan

Trip by Chinese president to the epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak marks success in the first phase of the battle, but there is now the risk of imported cases from countries that could do with Beijing’s help

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Chinese President Xi Jinping visits Huoshenshan Hospital in Wuhan, China on March 10, 2020. Photo: Xinhua

Published: 9:45pm, 11 Mar 2020Updated: 10:34pm, 11 Mar 2020

President Xi Jinping’s visit to the city of Wuhan this week is a symbolic landmark in China’s battle to bring the deadly new coronavirus epidemic under control. It is important on two counts. The leadership now considers it safe for the top leader to be seen at the epicentre of the outbreak, which would have been too risky until now. And Xi’s visit signalled China’s confidence it has turned the tide against a disease that has infected more than 80,000 people and claimed over 3,000 lives on the mainland.

Short of claiming victory, Xi said it was in sight and appealed to the public to rally behind the government to see it through “the last mile”. Firstly that means ensuring the number of new infections in China continues to drop, having dipped to double digits this week. And while more than 60,000 patients have been treated and discharged, thousands still await treatment.

The second factor is largely beyond Beijing’s control. The quickening spread of the deadly outbreak in other parts of the world raises the risk that returnees and visitors could re-expose the mainland’s 1.4 billion people to new outbreaks.

Xi’s visit to Wuhan was calculated to boost domestic morale and seize back the narrative of a crisis that prompted unprecedented lockdowns and quarantine measures now hailed by the World Health Organisation as part of a decisive response.

Initially China came under strong criticism from overseas about its crisis management, which also triggered domestic grievances and questioning of the leadership. This included public anger expressed in the country’s heavily censored cyberspace over the death of Dr Li Wenliang, who raised the alarm about the virus, only to be reprimanded by local officials. Beijing is now hailing the success of efforts to contain the disease as showcasing the people’s spirit and the strength of the country’s authoritarian political system.

Xi made morale-boosting appearances before local residents and also praised the efforts of medical workers, soldiers, police, frontline officials and volunteers. This was aimed at soothing domestic grievances while shaping the image of the government as caring and responsible. He also said it was time for factories and businesses to go back to normal and for the country to refocus on economic growth, which will help unfreeze global supply chains.