Xi Jinping Declares Victory Over Pandemic Ahead of the Two Sessions, Secured Military Obedience First

Party leader Xi Jinping applauds during the opening of the 3rd Session of the 12th National People's Congress in Beijing, China, on March 5, 2015. Lintao Zhang/Getty Images

News Analysis

After China’s military authorities ordered the armed forces to follow the command of Military Commission Chairman Xi Jinping in all operations, Xi declared “victory in the fight against the epidemic” at a meeting of the seven-member Politburo Standing Committee. In contrast, the last time Xi announced a victory against COVID in 2020, it was at a huge celebration party.