For its new year, China fears water whiplash – Liberation

Uncontrolled Covid epidemic on the eve of the holidays, real estate sector in crisis, negative demographics, economic growth at half mast, explosive social climate… The Lunar New Year opens a difficult period for the Asian giant.

Imagine that a few days before the New Year your phone displays a red screen, with a photo of your President, and an “Accept call” button. You click on it, and surprise, it is not the leader of the second world power who is calling you, but a recorded clip where Xi Jinping gives a paternalistic speech in front of a bucolic fresco, with reverse shots of citizens wisely applauding. You then look for the “Hang up” button. In vain.

This misadventure has happened to millions of Chinese officials in recent days, generating a wave of mockery on social networks, quickly censored. As China enters the Lunar Year of the Water Rabbit according to traditional astrology this Sunday, the Chinese Communist Party will need more than communication tricks to tackle a perilous social, health and economic situation.

High risk vacation

In his end-of-year speech on Thursday, Xi Jinping did more than boast “the grand prospects of building a modern all-round socialist country and the comprehensive promotion of the great rejuvenation of the nation through Chinese modernization.” He also called for continued efforts to combat the pandemic, especially in rural areas. After confining the country for three years under