Part 8/15:
The sudden pivot to open up was driven by multiple factors. Primarily, economic pressure played a significant role. China's economy struggled under prolonged lockdowns, with detrimental impacts on growth, employment, and consumption. Leaders also sought to restore international confidence and revive sectors like tourism, which had come to a standstill.
However, the lack of transparent planning and preparedness suggests that the policy change was more reactive than strategic. Despite the official rationale citing Omicron’s reduced lethality, the absence of a phased approach and insufficient healthcare infrastructure created a perfect storm.