**Xi Jinping’s Lockdown Kills the Chinese Economy**
**By the staff of LifeSite**
Published by LifeSiteNews, July 22, 2022
https://thenationalpulse.com/news/xi-jinping-lockdowns-kill-chinese-economy/
Chinese President Xi Jinping’s zero-COVID lockdown policy has been devastating for the Chinese economy, causing widespread business closures and job losses. The policy has also led to shortages of food and other essential goods, and has caused a sharp decline in consumer spending.
In the first quarter of 2022, China’s GDP grew by only 4.8%, the slowest pace in nearly two years. In April, the unemployment rate hit 6.1%, the highest level in six months. And in May, retail sales fell by 6.7%, the biggest decline in over two years.
The lockdown policy has also had a devastating impact on small businesses. According to a recent survey by the China Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, nearly 50% of small businesses have been forced to close their doors since the start of the pandemic.
The Chinese government has defended its zero-COVID policy, arguing that it is necessary to prevent the spread of the virus. However, the policy has come under increasing criticism from both within China and abroad.
In May, a group of Chinese intellectuals published an open letter to Xi Jinping, calling for an end to the lockdown policy. The letter argued that the policy was causing unnecessary economic and social damage.
The lockdown policy has also been criticized by the United States and other countries. In April, the U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warned that the policy could have a negative impact on the global economy.
It is clear that Xi Jinping’s zero-COVID lockdown policy is doing more harm than good to the Chinese economy. The policy is causing widespread business closures, job losses, and shortages of essential goods. It is also leading to a sharp decline in consumer spending.
The Chinese government needs to end the lockdown policy and adopt a more balanced approach to fighting the pandemic. The government needs to focus on protecting the most vulnerable populations while allowing the economy to function.
**The following are some sources that provide more information on this topic:**
* [China’s economy slows to 4.8% in Q1 as COVID-19 lockdowns bite](https://www.reuters.com/world/china/chinas-economy-slows-48-q1-covid-19-lockdowns-bite-2022-04-18/)
* [China’s unemployment rate hits six-month high of 6.1%](https://www.bbc.com/news/business-61326797)
* [China retail sales shrink 6.7% on COVID curbs](https://www.reuters.com/world/china/china-retail-sales-shrink-67-covid-curbs-2022-05-15/)
* [Nearly 50% of Chinese small businesses have closed since start of pandemic](https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3177624/nearly-50-chinese-small-businesses-have-closed-start-pandemic)
* [Chinese intellectuals urge Xi to end ‘inhumane’ COVID lockdown](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/may/12/chinese-intellectuals-urge-xi-to-end-inhumane-covid-lockdown)
* [US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warns China’s COVID-19 lockdowns could hurt global economy](https://www.cnbc.com/2022/04/14/us-treasury-secretary-janet-yellen-warns-chinas-covid-lockdowns-could-hurt-global-economy.html).
