DOCSLIB.ORG

Wang Xiaolu Comment Onhow China Managed the COVID-19 Pandemic

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Wang Xiaolu Comment Onhow China Managed the COVID-19 Pandemic Comments References Cai, Peter. 2016. The Li Keqiang Index is dead, long live the new Li Keqiang Index. Available at www. lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/li-keqiang-index-dead-long-live-new-li-keqiang-index. Horton, Richard. 2020. This Wave of Anti-China Feeling Masks the West’s Own COVID- 19 Failures. Guardian. Available at www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/aug/03/ COVID-19-cold-war-china-western-governments-international-peace. Silver, Laura, Kat Devlin, and Christine Huang. 2020. Unfavorable Views of China Reach His- toric Highs in Many Countries. Available at www.pewresearch.org/global/2020/10/06/ Downloaded from http://direct.mit.edu/asep/article-pdf/20/1/105/1911922/asep_a_00816.pdf by guest on 25 September 2021 unfavorable-views-of-china-reach-historic-highs-in-many-countries/. Zheng, Jinghai and Liming Wang. 2015. Institutions and Development: The Case of China in Compar- ative Perspectives. Emerging Markets Finance and Trade 50(6):4–20. Wang Xiaolu Comment on How China Managed the COVID-19 Pandemic Wang Xiaolu, National Economic Research Institute: This paper convinc- ingly presents data to describe in detail the outbreak of COVID-19 in China in the first half of 2020, outlines the response measures taken by the government and the private sector, evaluates the effects of these measures, and explains how China quickly controlled the epi- demic and achieved both economic and social recovery. Official statistics show that as of 31 October, there are a total of 91,931 confirmed COVID-19 patients nationwide, with 4,746 deaths, 86,671 recoveries, and only 514 patients who are still in hospital (CCTV News, 1 November 2020). Aside from minor outbreaks in Qingdao and Kashgar in October that were quickly con- tained, economic and social activities throughout the country have returned to normal since the third quarter of the year. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, China’s cumulative GDP in quarters 1–3 recorded a positive growth of 0.7 percent from the previ- ous year, becoming the only major economy in the world to achieve positive growth. This situation suggests that China has performed far better than most countries in terms of epidemic control and economic recovery. This may seem too good to be true to some, however. The following comments will focus on a few questions: 105 Asian Economic Papers Comments Question 1: How trustworthy are the data provided by the paper and other official gov- ernment sources on the epidemic situation in China? As mentioned in the paper, China’s first COVID-19 case was discovered in Wuhan in late December 2019. The author believes that the initial rapid increase in infections in Wuhan could be attributed to a lack of information and an underestimation of the seriousness of the disease. This inference is reasonable. Moreover, because local authorities were slow to react to the initial outbreak, Wuhan officials might have missed the opportunity to quickly nip the epidemic in the bud. The lack of transparency in information sharing at the time Downloaded from http://direct.mit.edu/asep/article-pdf/20/1/105/1911922/asep_a_00816.pdf by guest on 25 September 2021 may also have caused some data distortion. But China quickly learned a lesson from these mistakes. Since 23 January, the central gov- ernment intervened and implemented a strict lockdown in Wuhan. At the same time, var- ious regions initiated different levels of emergency response procedures according to the severity of their situation. Epidemic information is now directly reported by local Chi- nese Center for Disease Control and Prevention branches to the National Health Com- mission, bypassing local governments. The direct reporting mechanism basically elimi- nates the motivation of local authorities to conceal information and centralizes knowledge effectively and efficiently to coordinate pandemic response policies. This has greatly in- creased the transparency of information, leading also to significant improvements in the epidemiological situation. The epidemic information announced since late January can therefore be considered cred- ible. The cumulative number of confirmed cases and total number of deaths may be less accurate than daily new incremental data to some extent due to earlier inaccurate report- ing or incomplete testing in January, but any discrepancy should be limited. In addition, because the virus is highly contagious and spreads quickly, efforts to conceal information would not last long and would quickly become meaningless. Since the third quarter of 2020, economic operations have been restored across the whole country. Residents’ lives have all resumed, aside from the need to continue to wear face masks in crowded public areas. During the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival hol- idays from 1–7 October 2020, railways, highways, waterways, and airlines transported over 500 million people without any major new outbreaks except a small number of cases in Qingdao and Kashgar. From April until October, the daily new confirmed cases in the whole country remained in single or double digits, mostly entrants from overseas. This return to normalcy would not have been achieved if information on the pandemic was not centralized. Question 2: What is the role of government in the response to containing epidemics and pandemics? 106 Asian Economic Papers Comments The paper by Wei Tian has actually provided the answer through its detailed descriptions of the Chinese government’s actions in response to COVID-19. In dealing with major ex- traordinary events such as COVID-19, reasonably strong government intervention is in- dispensable, and this has shown its effectiveness in China. After the COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan in January, the government quickly imposed lockdown measures on Wuhan, strictly restricting the entry and exit of people and instructing residents to self-isolate at home. Local governments at all levels organized communities and volunteers to provide food and other necessities via home delivery services. Medical teams comprising more than 40,000 doctors and nurses from all over the country were sent to Wuhan. At the same Downloaded from http://direct.mit.edu/asep/article-pdf/20/1/105/1911922/asep_a_00816.pdf by guest on 25 September 2021 time, two large, specialized hospitals were built in Wuhan within 20 days, while 16 large public facilities were urgently transformed into shelter hospitals to treat mild patients and isolate asymptomatic patients. In other parts of the country, schools, manufacturing firms, public entertainment outlets, education and training institutions, and other non-essential commercial service facilities were temporarily closed. Residents were only allowed to go out for essential activities and were required to wear masks in public areas. Food catering, store shopping, classes, and training conferences moved online. Meanwhile, the production of medical supplies such as face masks, disinfectants, protective clothing, and respirators were urgently arranged. Personnel contact was minimized and the spread of the virus was soon suppressed. The adoption of these measures has indeed incurred high costs. The economy stalled in the first quarter and residents’ lives were disrupted. However, in hindsight, these decisive measures greatly reduced or interrupted the spread of the disease at the time. These measures received severe criticism at the time, mainly from overseas, for restricting personal freedom and violating human rights, at huge economic costs. However, the tem- porary inconvenience experienced has significantly reduced illnesses, saved lives, and led to rapid economic recovery. Compared with the 9 million infections and 229,000 deaths in the United States so far as of 31 October 2020, the price China paid in exchange for only 91,000 infections and several thousand deaths is worth it. Given that China’s population is four times that of the United States, this comparison becomes more compelling. On the other hand, China’s anti-pandemic performance has sparked other debates and dis- cussions. For example, some in China argue that China’s success on both economic and health outcomes proves that a system with strong government intervention has special ad- vantages in general. They believe that the so-called whole nation system can be extended from extraordinary emergencies such as COVID-19, to all economic and social fields. This is obviously misleading. China’s achievements in response to the virus does not mean that the role of the market can be replaced by the government. In fact, China’s economic suc- cess during the past 40 years should be attributed to the reforms that transformed China 107 Asian Economic Papers Comments from a centrally planned economy to a market economy. A fair and competitive market is an irreplaceable basic condition for economic success. Only in areas where the market fails and in the event of extraordinary circumstances that government interventions are neces- sary. If government interventions exceed reasonable boundaries, it would inevitably lead to inefficiency and economic non-sustainability. Question 3: Is the success of China’s epidemic control entirely dependent on the role of the government? Downloaded from http://direct.mit.edu/asep/article-pdf/20/1/105/1911922/asep_a_00816.pdf by guest on 25 September 2021 No. The active cooperation of Chinese society and the sacrificial spirit of many individuals are important and indispensable. When the virus first broke out in Wuhan, 395 medical teams were organized in various regions of the country and sent to Wuhan and other cities in Hubei province to help fight the epidemic. Despite the risk of infection and the lack of information and protective equipment, 43,060 doctors and nurses rushed to the epidemic area (Tencent News, 9 March 2020). This played a decisive role in reversing the Wuhan crisis, and could not have been done without the social responsibility of these individuals. During the epidemic, although many economic activities were halted, public utilities and the production, sales, and distribution of medical supplies, food, and other daily necessi- ties continued to operate.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • How China's Leaders Think: the Inside Story of China's Past, Current
    bindex.indd 540 3/14/11 3:26:49 PM China’s development, at least in part, is driven by patriotism and pride. The Chinese people have made great contributions to world civilization. Our commitment and determination is rooted in our historic and national pride. It’s fair to say that we have achieved some successes, [nevertheless] we should have a cautious appraisal of our accomplishments. We should never overestimate our accomplish- ments or indulge ourselves in our achievements. We need to assess ourselves objectively. [and aspire to] our next higher goal. [which is] a persistent and unremitting process. Xi Jinping Politburo Standing Committee member In the face of complex and ever-changing international and domes- tic environments, the Chinese Government promptly and decisively adjusted our macroeconomic policies and launched a comprehensive stimulus package to ensure stable and rapid economic growth. We increased government spending and public investments and imple- mented structural tax reductions. Balancing short-term and long- term strategic perspectives, we are promoting industrial restructuring and technological innovation, and using principles of reform to solve problems of development. Li Keqiang Politburo Standing Committee member I am now serving my second term in the Politburo. President Hu Jintao’s character is modest and low profile. we all have the high- est respect and admiration for him—for his leadership, perspicacity and moral convictions. Under his leadership, complex problems can all get resolved. It takes vision to avoid major conflicts in soci- ety. Income disparities, unemployment, bureaucracy and corruption could cause instability. This is the Party’s most severe test.
    [Show full text]
  • August 10, 2016 the Honorable Li Keqiang Premier Beijing People's
    August 10, 2016 The Honorable Li Keqiang Premier Beijing People’s Republic of China Respected Premier Li: Our organizations, representing a broad array of industries and companies of all sizes, are writing to express our hope that China fully embraces the goals of the upcoming G20 Leaders Meeting to promote an “innovative, invigorated, interconnected, and inclusive world economy,” by taking steps to address concerns regarding the direction of China’s information communications technology (ICT) policies. These include the draft Cybersecurity Law (“The Law”) and pending China Insurance Regulatory Commission (CIRC) Provisions on Insurance System Informatization (“The Provisions”). We appreciate that China has published drafts of The Law and The Provisions for public comment. This level of transparency is very important in drafting technical regulations of this significance. However, the current drafts, if implemented, would weaken security and separate China from the global digital economy. Specific concerns with The Law and The Provisions include: Broad data residency requirements, which have no additional security benefits, but would impede economic growth, and create barriers to entry for both foreign and Chinese companies; Trade-inhibiting security reviews and requirements for ICT products and services, which may weaken security and constitute technical barriers to trade as defined by the World Trade Organization; and Data retention and sharing, and law enforcement assistance requirements, which would weaken technical security measures
    [Show full text]
  • Part 1: an Epidemic Becomes a Pandemic
    This publication is part of a partnership between Auburn University’s McCrary Institute and Air University pursuant to which challenges related to cyber and critical infrastructure security are examined for the purpose of advancing U.S. national security. The McCrary Institute, based in Auburn with additional centers in Washington DC and Huntsville, seeks practical solutions to pressing challenges in the areas of cyber and critical infrastructure security. Through its three hubs, the institute offers end-to- end capability – policy, technology, research and education – on all things cyber. Air University, based at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, is the intellectual and leadership center of the U.S. Air Force, providing full-spectrum education, research and outreach, through professional military education, professional continuing education and academic degree granting. R. A. Norton, Ph.D. Professor, Veterinary Infectious Diseases, Biosecurity and Public Health, Department of Poultry Science, Auburn University Faculty Fellow, McCrary Institute, Auburn University S. P. Rodning, DVM Associate Professor and Extension Veterinarian, Department of Animal Sciences and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Auburn University D.J. Collier Senior Intelligence Officer, LeMay Center for Doctrine Development and Education, Air University Intelligence Directorate P.H. Nelson, M.D., Col, USAF, MC, CFS Department of International Security Studies, Air War College, Former Surgeon General's Chair to Air University N. Simmons National Security and Disaster Planning and Response Researcher E. Monu, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Food Safety, Department of Poultry Science, Auburn University D.V. Bourassa, Ph.D. Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist, Department of Poultry Science, Auburn University Disclaimer: The views expressed in this paper are solely those of the authors and do not reflect the official policies or positions of the US government, the Department of Defense, Auburn University, Air University or the State of Alabama.
    [Show full text]
  • RAPPORT DE SYNTHÈSE SUR LE SARS-Cov-2 Partie 1 : Du 24 Janvier Au 11 Mai 2020 Date De Diffusion : 1Er Juillet 2020
    HAUT COMITÉ FRANÇAIS POUR LA RÉSILIENCE NATIONALE RAPPORT DE SYNTHÈSE SUR LE SARS-CoV-2 Partie 1 : du 24 janvier au 11 mai 2020 Date de diffusion : 1er juillet 2020 COUVERTURE FACE Note COVID-19 Partie 1 : du 24 janvier au 11 mai 2020 2 Introduction LE MOT DU DÉLÉGUÉ GÉNÉRAL e Haut Comité Français pour la Résilience Nationale a été extrêmement présent sur ce « méga choc » Lde la COVID-19. Le rôle du Haut comité en temps « normal » est d’aider, de conseiller et d’assister ses membres à optimiser la préparation de leurs structures aux événements graves et exceptionnels de par ses travaux de mises en relations, d’événementiel et de partage du savoir. Il l’est aussi dans la veille straté- gique et opérationnelle, de manière permanente. Cette période de crise a vu nos travaux profondément modifiés, car bien évidemment nous avons arrêté l’événementiel par la force des choses, mais nous avons renforcé notre service de veille, ce qui nous a permis de produire de manière quotidienne, sept jours sur sept, jusqu’à la période du confinement, des tableaux de bord quotidiens sur la situation en France et bi-hebdomadaires sur la situation dans le monde ainsi que sur le plan économique. Ces productions ont été, je sais, extrêmement utiles à de nombreuses salles de crise dans les entreprises, mais elles seront également extrêmement intéressantes pour la réalisation des retours d’expérience. En effet, un choc de cette nature impose et mérite un retour d’expérience à tous les niveaux des organisations qui ont été impactées.
    [Show full text]
  • The Human Relationship with Our Ocean Planet
    Commissioned by BLUE PAPER The Human Relationship with Our Ocean Planet LEAD AUTHORS Edward H. Allison, John Kurien and Yoshitaka Ota CONTRIBUTING AUTHORS: Dedi S. Adhuri, J. Maarten Bavinck, Andrés Cisneros-Montemayor, Michael Fabinyi, Svein Jentoft, Sallie Lau, Tabitha Grace Mallory, Ayodeji Olukoju, Ingrid van Putten, Natasha Stacey, Michelle Voyer and Nireka Weeratunge oceanpanel.org About the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy The High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy (Ocean Panel) is a unique initiative by 14 world leaders who are building momentum for a sustainable ocean economy in which effective protection, sustainable production and equitable prosperity go hand in hand. By enhancing humanity’s relationship with the ocean, bridging ocean health and wealth, working with diverse stakeholders and harnessing the latest knowledge, the Ocean Panel aims to facilitate a better, more resilient future for people and the planet. Established in September 2018, the Ocean Panel has been working with government, business, financial institutions, the science community and civil society to catalyse and scale bold, pragmatic solutions across policy, governance, technology and finance to ultimately develop an action agenda for transitioning to a sustainable ocean economy. Co-chaired by Norway and Palau, the Ocean Panel is the only ocean policy body made up of serving world leaders with the authority needed to trigger, amplify and accelerate action worldwide for ocean priorities. The Ocean Panel comprises members from Australia, Canada, Chile, Fiji, Ghana, Indonesia, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Namibia, Norway, Palau and Portugal and is supported by the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Ocean.
    [Show full text]
  • 0Fd92edfc30b4f9983832a629e3
    NEWS BRIEF 2 NATIONAL PEOPle’s CoNGRESS OF CHINA People display the national flag in Golden Bauhinia Square in Hong Kong Special Ad- ministrative Region in south China. Li Gang ISSUE 1 · 2021 3 Safeguarding people’s health, building 10 quality basic public education stressed 目录 Contents Annual Session 2021 12 Special Report: NPC Work Report Xi stresses high-quality 6 development, improving 22 President Xi and the people people’s well-being Working for the people 8 14 New development philosophy, Senior leaders attend delibera- Law Stories of HK ethnic unity stressed tions at annual legislative session 10 16 24 Safeguarding people’s health, People as masters of their country An imperative step for long-term stability building quality basic public is essence of democracy in Hong Kong education stressed 26 Decision to improve Hong Kong elector- al system adopted 28 Explanations on the Draft Decision of the National People’s Congress On Improv- ing the Electoral System of The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region 4 NATIONAL PEOPle’s CoNGRESS OF CHINA An imperative step for long-term 24 stability in Hong Kong China unveils action plan for 36 modernization ISSUE 1 · 2021 Spotlight Insights 34 China projects confidence with over 6% 42 Xi’s messages point way for China at VOL.52 ISSUE 1 March 2021 GDP growth target historic development juncture Administrated by General Office of the Standing NPC Highlights Committee of National People’s Congress 44 NPC Standing Committee strongly Chief Editor: Wang Yang condemns US sanctions on Chinese 36 General
    [Show full text]
  • Vaccines and Global Health :: Ethics and Policy
    Vaccines and Global Health: The Week in Review 30 May 2020 :: Number 554 Center for Vaccine Ethics & Policy (CVEP) This weekly digest targets news, events, announcements, articles and research in the vaccine and global health ethics and policy space and is aggregated from key governmental, NGO, international organization and industry sources, key peer-reviewed journals, and other media channels. This summary proceeds from the broad base of themes and issues monitored by the Center for Vaccine Ethics & Policy in its work: it is not intended to be exhaustive in its coverage. Vaccines and Global Health: The Week in Review is published as a PDF and scheduled for release each Saturday evening at midnight [0000 GMT-5]. The PDF is posted and the elements of each edition are presented as a set of blog posts at https://centerforvaccineethicsandpolicy.net. This blog allows full-text searching of over 9,000 entries. Comments and suggestions should be directed to David R. Curry, MS Editor and Executive Director Center for Vaccine Ethics & Policy [email protected] Request email delivery of the pdf: If you would like to receive the PDF of each edition via email [Constant Contact], please send your request to [email protected]. Support this knowledge-sharing service: Your financial support helps us cover our costs and to address a current shortfall in our annual operating budget. Click here to donate and thank you in advance for your contribution. Contents [click on link below to move to associated content] A. Milestones :: Perspectives :: Featured Journal Content B. Emergencies C.
    [Show full text]
  • 15 September 2020 'China's Internal Situation: Is Xi Jinping Under Pressure'
    15 September 2020 ‘China’s internal situation: Is Xi Jinping under pressure’ by JAYADEVA RANADE Social stability is a topmost concern for China’s leadership as they see it as essential for the perpetuation of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)’s monopoly on power. To achieve this they play, to an extent, on the fears of the Chinese people of dongluang, or upheaval/chaos. Despite the efforts of the CCP leadership, especially under Xi Jinping, there is noticeable resentment and dissatisfaction. This has particularly marked his second term since the 19th Party Congress in November 2019. The trigger for the dissatisfaction was the abolition by Xi Jinping at the 19th Party Congress of the term limits on top posts as well as his ignoring the informally agreed upon age limits for elevation of cadres to top positions like the Politburo (PB) and Politburo Standing Committee (PBSC). These were set by Deng Xiaoping with the precise objective of preventing recurrence of a situation where too much power is concentrated in the hands of a single leader, or avoiding one-man rule. CCP members, including retired veteran leaders protested and posted open letters on the social media stating “No return to Mao’s one- man rule”! At least a couple of letters urged Deputies to the National People’s Congress (NPC) to reject the proposal. Many Party members, including in the CCP Central Committee, still retain unpleasant memories of the Cultural Revolution. Independently, the economy was slowing and unemployment was rising. Economic reforms had seen the closure of tens of thousands of small coal and iron ore mines rendering tens of millions jobless.
    [Show full text]
  • CHINA AFTER COVID-19 and Central Asia Centre at ISPI Occhus Nem
    CHINA AFTER CHINA COVID-19 Aldo Ferrari Vo, prissimus, es ete ingulla omnique pescii facipte Head of the Russia, Caucasus di, Catabulum senesillat, Ti. Ipimist raricaestrum iniam CHINA AFTER COVID-19 and Central Asia Centre at ISPI occhus nem. Valius ces inti, nem, nondiem ad de iam, and Associate Professor of popopubi pripteme patum consule ribullego condi est L. Economic Revival and Founded in 1934, ISPI is Armenian Language and Culture, M. Catilibutem Romanducon se enatquo nosum iaciam an independent think tank committed to the study of History of the Caucasus and alis, Castris simuspio medo, ut quidet publium it o imis in Challenges to the World Central Asia, and History of the international political and verescrit quit rei furitum pondi, que obusquistata L. Serei Russian Culture at Ca’ Foscari economic dynamics. University, Venice. iae etorem et pota noc, C. Fachin sedescri se elum cla edited by Alessia Amighini It is the only Italian Institute maximpliam fore nocus ipsentica Sciis serumen tientem introduction by Paolo Magri – and one of the very few in Eleonora Tafuro Ambrosetti eo, nonsult oraectesses los conimpr orumus cotilicatum int Europe – to combine research Research Fellow at the quitam orici patquis verit. activities with a significant Russia, Caucasus and Central Aximius omnenda ccitaricupio C. Ubliam or halem adhuitr commitment to training, events, Asia Centre at ISPI. optemors loc ta maio vid re auctatius iam. and global risk analysis for It, optercera mo ertiae te, quam tus crist vicum publicus, companies and institutions. Catus latum us actelis et? Ehebatium ex senatus conscre ISPI favours an interdisciplinary ssupienterum hala mod con tum opublis, que novit.
    [Show full text]
  • COVID-19 and China: a Chronology of Events (December 2019-January 2020)
    COVID-19 and China: A Chronology of Events (December 2019-January 2020) Updated May 13, 2020 Congressional Research Service https://crsreports.congress.gov R46354 SUMMARY R46354 COVID-19 and China: A Chronology of Events May 13, 2020 (December 2019-January 2020) Susan V. Lawrence In Congress, multiple bills and resolutions have been introduced related to China’s Specialist in Asian Affairs handling of a novel coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan, China, that expanded to become the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic. This report provides a timeline of key developments in the early weeks of the pandemic, based on available public reporting. It also considers issues raised by the timeline, including the timeliness of China’s information sharing with the World Health Organization (WHO), gaps in early information China shared with the world, and episodes in which Chinese authorities sought to discipline those who publicly shared information about aspects of the epidemic. Prior to January 20, 2020—the day Chinese authorities acknowledged person-to-person transmission of the novel coronavirus—the public record provides little indication that China’s top leaders saw containment of the epidemic as a high priority. Thereafter, however, Chinese authorities appear to have taken aggressive measures to contain the virus. The Appendix includes a concise version of the timeline. A condensed version is below: Late December: Hospitals in Wuhan, China, identify cases of pneumonia of unknown origin. December 30: The Wuhan Municipal Health Commission issues “urgent notices” to city hospitals about cases of atypical pneumonia linked to the city’s Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market. The notices leak online.
    [Show full text]
  • Li Keqiang 李克强 Born 1955
    Li Keqiang 李克强 Born 1955 Current Positions • Premier of the State Council (2013–present) • Member of the Politburo Standing Committee (2007–present) • Vice-Chairman of the National Security Committee (2013–present) • Deputy Head of the Central Leading Group for Comprehensively Deepening Reforms (2013–present) • Deputy Head of the Central Leading Group for Financial and Economic Work (2013–present) • Vice-Chairman of the Central Military and Civilian Integration Development Committee (2017– present) • Chairman of the Committee on Organizational Structure of the Central Committee of the CCP (2012–present) • Chairman of the National Defense Mobilization Committee (2013–present) • Director of the State Energy Commission (2013–present) • Head of the National Leading Group for Climate Change and for Energy Conservation and Reduction of Pollution Discharge (2013–present) • Head of the State Council Leading Group for Rejuvenating the Northeast Region and Other Old Industrial Bases (2013–present) • Head of the State Council Leading Group for Western Regional Development (2013–present) • Head of the State Council Three Gorges Project Construction Committee (2008–present) • Head of the State Council South-to-North Water Diversion Project Construction Committee (2008– present) • Head of the State Council Leading Group for Deepening Medical and Health System Reform (2008– present) • Member of the Politburo (2007–present) • Full member of the Central Committee of the CCP (1997–present) Personal and Professional Background Li Keqiang was born on July 1, 1955, in Dingyuan County, Anhui Province. Li joined the CCP in 1976. He was a “sent-down youth” at an agricultural commune in Fengyang County, Anhui (1974–76).1 He served as party secretary of a production brigade in the county (1976–78).
    [Show full text]
  • CAPSTONE 19-4 Indo-Pacific Field Study
    CAPSTONE 19-4 Indo-Pacific Field Study Subject Page Combatant Command ................................................ 3 New Zealand .............................................................. 53 India ........................................................................... 123 China .......................................................................... 189 National Security Strategy .......................................... 267 National Defense Strategy ......................................... 319 Charting a Course, Chapter 9 (Asia Pacific) .............. 333 1 This page intentionally blank 2 U.S. INDO-PACIFIC Command Subject Page Admiral Philip S. Davidson ....................................... 4 USINDOPACOM History .......................................... 7 USINDOPACOM AOR ............................................. 9 2019 Posture Statement .......................................... 11 3 Commander, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Admiral Philip S. Davidson, U.S. Navy Photos Admiral Philip S. Davidson (Photo by File Photo) Adm. Phil Davidson is the 25th Commander of United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM), America’s oldest and largest military combatant command, based in Hawai’i. USINDOPACOM includes 380,000 Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen, Coast Guardsmen and Department of Defense civilians and is responsible for all U.S. military activities in the Indo-Pacific, covering 36 nations, 14 time zones, and more than 50 percent of the world’s population. Prior to becoming CDRUSINDOPACOM on May 30, 2018, he served as
    [Show full text]