Wang Xiaolu, National Economic Research Institute: This paper convincingly presents data to describe in detail the outbreak of COVID-19 in China in the first half of 2020, outlines the response measures taken by the government and the private sector, evaluates the effects of these measures, and explains how China quickly controlled the epidemic and achieved both economic and social recovery.
Official statistics show that as of 31 October, there are a total of 91,931 confirmed COVID-19 patients nationwide, with 4,746 deaths, 86,671 recoveries, and only 514 patients who are still in hospital (CCTV News, 1 November 2020).
Aside from minor outbreaks in Qingdao and Kashgar in October that were quickly contained, economic and social activities throughout the country have returned to normal since the third quarter of the year. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, China's cumulative GDP in quarters 1--3 recorded a positive growth of 0.7 percent from...