China Makes a Risky Bet on Olympic Victory Over Covid
China will likely keep its borders shut ahead of the Winter Olympics in February given the resurgence of domestic virus cases. Above, the Thaiwoo Ski Resort in the Chongli district of Zhangjiakou, China, on Jan. 2.
Photographer: Andrea Verdelli/BloombergAfter a blowout extravaganza in 2008, China has dramatically lowered expectations for the Winter Olympic Games that begin in just a few weeks. During a recent inspection tour of the snow-and-ice venues, President Xi Jinping set out his modest ambitions for the event in three words: “Green, safe, and simple.”
Of the three, safety is key. It’s arguable that Chinese officials will be happy if athletes just come and go without an omicron outbreak.