Chinese President Xi Jinping defended his COVID-19 policy in his public address on the occasion of the new year, calling it rational and well-thought-out. In his first public address on the new year, Xi Jinping did not speak about the government’s unpreparedness and the sudden cancellation of the zero-COVID policy that led to a surge in COVID-19 cases in China, Geo-Politik reported. He said that they have adopted the COVID response following a science-based and targeted approach.Xi Jinping said, Following a science-based and targeted approach, we have adapted our Covid response in light of the evolving situation to protect the life and health of the people to the greatest extent possible. Xi stressed that officials and the general public, particularly medical professionals and community workers have “bravely stuck to their posts through it,” as per the Geo-Politik report.He further said, With extraordinary efforts, we have prevailed over unprecedented difficulties and challenges, and it has not been an easy journey for anyone. In his speech, Xi Jinping did not speak about people’s suffering, their growing anger in the last few weeks, and how the response of the residents forced the government to withdraw the policy. Notably, China followed a stringent policy to curb the spread of COVID-19, including mass testing, lockdowns, and travel restrictions.