The end of China’s zero-corona policy means the disappearance of the gigantic zero-corona industry. This policy has brought about new industries and new jobs throughout China, but the 180-degree turn has thrown China’s national economy into chaos. In addition to the damage caused by the spread of infection and lockdowns, the “lost three years” due to the zero-corona policy, and the sudden unemployment and empty bills…the impact is too great. (Journalist Konatsu Himeda)
Over 10 million unemployed after ‘zero-corona industry’ ends
China lifted its zero-corona policy on December 7. Within a few days after that, the infection spread in Shanghai, and even an elderly Li (pseudonym) who did not go out or eat out was directly hit. “I never thought I’d become a positive person…” said Mr. Li, who was shocked by the sudden change in policy, but revealed that there are two voices in China right now.
“In China, there are many voices in favor of changing the policy, saying ‘I’m glad we stopped the zero-corona policy,’ but there are also demands for the ‘immediate revival of the zero-corona policy,'” he said.
Some people have lost their lives to the new coronavirus, while others are suffering from the aftereffects. “Lockdown” may have been a guarantee of safety for those with underlying medical conditions. On the other hand, the voices calling for the revival of the zero-corona policy show that there were quite a few people who depended on the “zero-corona industry” for their livelihoods.
In China, the zero-corona industry has grown into a major industry in the last three years. This is symbolized by the protests that took place at a factory in Chongqing on January 7. Tens of thousands of employees clashed with police at a corona antigen test kit factory, and violent protests were said to have taken place. Several media outlets have reported that the reason for this is that the factory, which had stopped receiving orders due to the change in the zero-corona policy, tried to lay off more than 10,000 workers.
The epidemic prevention workers in white protective clothing, who played a big role while earning the resentment of the residents, have now become useless personnel. Confused by this sudden loss of work, epidemic prevention personnel are protesting in various places. Officially, they are “volunteers”, but they have received allowances, but the problem of non-payment has become apparent.
China’s zero-corona industry is said to be worth 10 trillion yuan (approximately 200 trillion yen), but the US Radio Free Asia reports that more than 10 million people will lose their jobs when the zero-corona industry ends.