China’s zero-Covid policy questioned as expert says ‘stabilising the economy will protect lives’

Beijing should allow more open debate on the consequences of its zero-Covid policy amid fears the country is “losing more than it gains” from harsh lockdowns that are taking an enormous toll on the economy, Chinese experts say.

The recent Omicron wave and corresponding containment measures hammered the world’s No 2 economy harder than expected in April, fuelling worry that China may not achieve economic growth of “around 5.5 per cent” this year.