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China scrambles to contain further COVID outbreaks, sticking to zero-COVID policy
China is scrambling to contain its most widespread COVID outbreak since the nation’s first wave that began in Wuhan in 2019
Though subsequent flare-ups have seen higher total case numbers, the current outbreak has spread the furthest.
According to the National Health Commission, 19 of China’s 31 provinces which makes up more than half the country have reported cases since the outbreak began in mid-October.
On Wednesday, the NHC reported 93 new symptomatic cases, the highest daily count in three months.
This approach, which aims to stamp out the virus completely within China’s borders, means even a handful of cases are viewed as a dire threat.
The ongoing outbreak began on October 16
Infections were detected among a tour group of fully vaccinated senior citizens from Shanghai travelling in northern China.
Cases have since quickly ballooned and spread across northern provinces.
By week after October 16, officials from the National Health Commission warned of “multiple scattered local outbreaks” in the north and northwest that were “expanding rapidly.”
Authorities immediately jumped into action, following the playbook that has successfully contained previous outbreaks: mass testing, snap lockdowns, quarantines, travel suspensions and vigilant surveillance.
Officials banned cross-provincial tours across the affected regions. In one popular tourist destination, all residents and tourists were forbidden from leaving their homes.
The capital of Beijing has also tightened entry restrictions into the city, and punished rule-breakers by placing them in criminal detention.
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How Gen Alpha are positioned to shape the future of education
Future of education: how Generation Alpha and engaged parents are shaping schools amid challenges and rapid change
Future of education: how Generation Alpha and engaged parents are shaping schools amid challenges and rapid change
– Future education involves increased parental engagement and adapting to technological changes for younger generations.
– Barriers to involvement include time constraints and poor communication from schools, impacting family-school relationships.
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Trump orders Pentagon to resume nuclear testing immediately
Trump orders Pentagon to resume nuclear testing, raising concerns over arms race and global safety
Trump orders Pentagon to resume nuclear testing, raising concerns over arms race and global safety
– Trump ordered the Pentagon to resume nuclear testing, risking global tensions and retaliation from other nations.
– Proliferation concerns are rising as nuclear states modernise arsenals and the New START Treaty nears expiration.
The potential for worldwide radioactive fallout remains high, even for underground tests. The Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, signed by 187 states, prohibits such testing, yet the US remains a signatory without ratification, bound not to violate the treaty’s intent.
Nuclear weapon testing, once crucial for understanding weapon effects and military planning, has diminished. Since World War II, nuclear tests have largely focused on developing new designs. Significant environmental and health concerns led to a moratorium on atmospheric testing in the early 1960s and the Partial Test Ban Treaty in 1963.
Many countries, including the US, stopped explosive testing in the 1990s. Technological advancements allowed nations to develop nuclear weapons without the need for actual explosions.
Proliferation Risks
Nuclear proliferation continues, with all nine nuclear-armed states investing heavily in modernising their arsenals. This raises concerns about lowered thresholds for using such weapons.
Recent conflicts involving nuclear threats have escalated, and the number of nuclear weapons operationally available has begun to rise again. Russia has tested advanced nuclear weapons, while China is rapidly expanding its military capabilities.
The New START Treaty, which confines the nuclear capabilities of the US and Russia, is set to expire soon, with no successor treaty negotiations underway.
The Doomsday Clock has moved closer to midnight this year, highlighting the heightened dangers facing the world today.
News
US–China trade talks are a handshake, not a deal
Trump and Xi unofficially extend tariff truce, with US concessions and Chinese commitments on soybeans, fentanyl, and rare earths.
Trump and Xi unofficially extend tariff truce, with US concessions and Chinese commitments on soybeans, fentanyl, and rare earths.
Presidents Trump and Xi extend their tariff truce in an informal meeting, with US cuts and Chinese promises on soybeans, fentanyl, and rare earths.
Steve Gopalan from SkandaFX cautions this is unofficial and deeper issues between the two super powers remain.
#USChina #TradeTruce #Tariffs #GlobalMarkets #Soybeans #RareEarths #UnofficialDeal #TickerNews
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