Most of my Chinese friends here in Shenzhen now say that the worst effects of the pandemic have been caused by exaggerated reactions of local officials. And I have not encountered a single laobaixing who does not think that lifting Covid restrictions will not completely resolve this problem. They say this virus is now just like a cold, that it will soon pass. Their expectations are now very high.

Be that as it may, until quite recently, CCP propaganda slogans, posters, and flags liberally festooned all testing centers. As of 12/2/22, I no longer see any these insignia of party loyalty in Shenzhen’s CBT. These appear to have been dropped a few weeks ago.

Also perhaps worth noting is that throughout all of the interminable conflicts between the US and PRC, I have not yet experienced a single case of anti-American sentiment in China. Not once, in fact, over the past decade. This might mean something. Of course expressions of anti-American sentiments do exist, especially in government circles. Government types can get very worked up for obvious reasons, but in my experience, they do not represent the opinions of the average person.

In sum, all Chinese I see today think that a complete relaxation of Covid restrictions is not a big deal because it’s now just like a cold. I hope that their great expectations do not become lost illusions.