Abstract
This chapter devoted to the analysis of the situation in China consists of two parts. The first one written by a well-known Chinese sociologist, Professor Liu Depei, Major General of PLA (retired), represents a kind of literary essay about the fighting against the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus at the very beginning of the pandemic, during the first days and even hours. This personal story may help to evaluate the situation of complete uncertainty on the first days of the pandemic all of us have already forgotten now. But to remember the first moods and the first steps is a very important thing, partly for avoidance of new crises during possible epidemics in the future and the panic associated with them. General Liu looks at the problem from the inside, that helps to understand the worries, moods and feelings of Chinese people during the current COVID-19 pandemic. The second part was written by a Russian sinologist, Professor Sergey Komissarov, who supplemented the work of his friend and colleague with some objective information and figures. In the second part, Prof Komissarov gives us an opportunity to look at the problem from the outside. Taken together, these two parts help to get a picture of the China’s methods to deal with the pandemic and related coronacrisis.
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Notes
- 1.
Xi Jinping vows victory against COVID-19 in Wuhan // CGTN. 11.03.2020. URL: https://news.cgtn.com/news/2020-03-10/Xi-Jinping-vows-victory-against-COVID-19-in-Wuhan-OKFGZOYDnO/index.html (date of access: 26.03.2021).
- 2.
Zhou C. Coronavirus: Whistle-blower Dr Li Wenliang confirmed dead of the disease at 34, after hours of chaotic messaging from hospital // South China Morning Post. 7 Feb. 2020. URL: https://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/3049411/coronavirus-li-wenliang-doctor-who-alerted-authorities-outbreak (date of access: 26.03.2021).
- 3.
See, f. e,: Besser L. Italy’s coronavirus disaster. At first, officials urged people to go out for an aperitif. Now, doctors must choose who dies // ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation): News. 18.03.2020. URL: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-18/what-went-wrong-with-how-italy-handled-coronavirus/12062242 (date of access: 26.03.2021).
- 4.
For greater objectivity, we took the data from: COVID-19 Dashboard by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University (JHU). 16.03.2021. URL: https://gisanddata.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/bda7594740fd40299423467b48e9ecf6 (date of access: 26.03.2021). I consider it necessary to especially note the high level of work of the research fellows of this university, who provided all of us with valuable information with a high degree of reliability [Dong Ensheng, Du Hongru, Gardner, 2020].
- 5.
Tracking the Epidemic // China CDC Weekly. 16.03.2021. URL: http://weekly.chinacdc.cn/news/TrackingtheEpidemic.htm (date of access: 26.03.2021). Using the official data as well, I would like to express my opinion on the popular assertions that since all Chinese statistics are in the hands of the state, they are not credible. There is a certain reason for this attitude. However, modern statistics are based on complex conglomeration of mutually verifiable data. Macro-indicators from different sources are compared with figures for different population groups, sectors of the economy, types of products, etc.; all regularities and limits are clearly recorded. Of course, it is possible to distort individual numbers, but this will immediately become noticeable at adjacent levels. In addition, there are numerous opinions expressed through Internet or other communication channels by foreign specialists working in the PRC, and they are largely consistent with the data published by Chinese government agencies.
- 6.
See, f. e.: Elanger S. Global backlash builds against China over coronavirus // The New York Times. May 3, 2020. URL: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/03/world/europe/backlash-china-coronavirus.html (date of access: 26.03.2021).
- 7.
The Population data did I take from CountryMeters, and I find them quite reliable for this level of research.
- 8.
The virologist named the most likely version of the origin of COVID-19 // Izvestia. 23.03.2021. (In Russ.). URL: https://iz.ru/1140397/2021-03-23/virusolog-nazval-naibolee-veroiatnuiu-versiiu-proiskhozhdeniia-covid-19 (date of access: 26.03.2021).
- 9.
A St. Petersburg scientist from the WHO group shared his impressions of the seafood market in Wuhan // Fontanka.ru. 04.02.2021. (In Russ.). URL: https://www.fontanka.ru/2021/02/04/69747735 (date of access: 26.03.2021).
- 10.
Kuo L. China sends doctors and masks overseas as domestic coronavirus infection drop / The Guardian. 19 Mar 2020. URL: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/19/china-positions-itself-as-a-leader-in-tackling-the-coronavirus; China announces to help 82 countries fight COViD-19 // CGTN. 20 Mar 2020. URL: https://news.cgtn.com/news/2020-03-20/China-announces-to-help-82-countries-fight-COVID-19-P1hcQcQKe4/index.html; Full text: Speech by President Xi Jinping at opening of the 73rd World Health Assembly // Xinhuanet. 18.05. 2020. URL: http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-05/18/c_139067018.htm; Leng Shumei. China provides vaccine aid to 53 developing countries, exports to 22 // Global Times. Feb 08, 2021. URL: https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202102/1215285.shtml (date access for all: 26.03.2021).
- 11.
See, f. e.: Brînză A. Some say China’s Belt and Road helped create this Pandemic. Can it prevent the next one // The Diplomat (on-line edition). 02.04.2020. URL: https://thediplomat.com/2020/04/some-say-chinas-belt-and-road-helped-create-this-pandemic-can-it-prevent-the-next-one (date of access: 01.01.2021).
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Liu, D., Komissarov, S.A. (2021). Fight Against and Live Along: Chinese Experience to Exist with COVID-19. In: Legach, F.a.E.I., Sharov, K.S. (eds) SARS-CoV-2 and Coronacrisis. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-2605-0_9
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