U.S. Ambassador to China: CCP’s “Zero-Covid” Disturbs Global Trade

The U.S. Ambassador to China, Nicholas Burns, said that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)’s stringent “Zero-Covid” restriction policy, including travel restrictions and citywide lockdowns, may continue into early 2023. Mr. Burns said the lockdown is hindering investors of the United States and Europe to continue investment in China, which caused reduction of investment. He also said that the Shanghai lockdown has led to many American businessmen leaving China. Burns said that Shanghai is the business and financial center of China and many American companies have business and bases in Shanghai. The “zero- covid” policy is severely blocking the operations of businesses, causing many American businessmen to leave the country.

Shanghai, the commercial center of China and once was one to the world’s busiest port, is dragging down Chinese economy, disrupting global manufacturing and trade activities. At present, the CCP continues to implement a strict border control measure to maintain stability and large-scale testing for the CCP virus. Analysts believe if the CCP does not stop the “Zero-Covid” policy, it will be difficult for China to achieve its official GDP growth target this year. Ambassador Burns also criticized the CCP for blocking Secretary Blinken’s speech in May on social media. Blinken’s speech addressed the U.S. policy toward China, saying the United States urges the CCP to abide by international rules.