Xi Jinping Orders a Full Investigation Into Ultramarathon Disaster to Quell International Media Criticism

Rescuers assisting people who were competing in a 100-kilometer cross-country mountain race when extreme weather hit near the city of Baiyin in China's northwestern Gansu Province, on May 22, 2021, leaving at least 20 dead. AFP via Getty Images

The Gansu ultramarathon disaster, which killed 21 runners, has sparked public outrage and probes from international media into the deeper issues related to Chinese politics. In order to quell the worldwide criticism, Chinese communist regime leader Xi Jinping has ordered a full investigation into the incident.

Chinese media reported on May 25 that the Gansu Provincial Communist Party committee held a meeting on May 24 to convey the instructions given by Xi and the regime’s Premier Li Keqiang. The message from the top emphasized that they have ordered a full investigation into the matter and will hold those who are responsible for the tragedy accountable. They also ordered the local authorities to come up with a plan to deal with the aftermath of the ultramarathon disaster.