China drive to stamp out Covid ahead of key Communist Party meet

Beijing: China has stepped up its COVID-19 control measures with two international sporting events being cancelled, number of high-risk transmission zones being increased and Beijing ordering three-day continuous testing for 21 million of its residents, ahead of the key ruling Communist Party’s Congress where President Xi Jinping is expected to get a rare third term in office.

While the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) on Friday put off the 2022 Asian Games scheduled to be held in Hangzhou in September, the International University Sports Federation (FISU) has cancelled the World University Games which were due to start in Chengdu in late June. The Asian Games were put off despite a recent official announcement that all 56 venues for the Hangzhou Asian Games and the Asian Para Games were ready.

The postponement of the games came as a surprise as China successfully held both the Winter Olympic Games and Winter Paralympics in February this year when virus cases were prevalent in the country and the world.

The postponement of the games triggered speculation that they have been put off due to concerns of COVID-19 in the run-up to the once-in-five-yearcongress of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC), which is due later this year.

The Congress - schedule for which is yet to be announced - is significant as it is widely expected to confer an unprecedented third five-year term to President Xi. With his status as “core leader” similar to party founder Mao Zedong, Xi, 68, is now expected to remain China’s leader for life. Earlier reports said it could be advanced to be held in the next two months or later this year. As part of those preparations, authorities have been ordered to remove any risks. - AP.