I don't think we'll be seeing anything like the protests we saw last year as a result of covid deaths. Internally, it's possible that Xi Jinping may take some damage from this U-turn. The people I've talked to say that they understand that you couldn't keep restrictions forever. But on the other hand, although the end of zero covid will help China's economy in the near term, things are still going to be tough for a lot of people.
The sudden rescinding of zero-covid strictures has, as expected, led to a spike in cases. Our correspondent visits overstretched hospitals and crematoria, and considers what will happen next. Aerial drones have in part shaped the war in Ukraine; now the naval kind are starting to play a role. And French-language purity goes out the window when it comes to startups.
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