Covid-19: minute of silence at the Chinese People's Consultative Conference

Chinese President Xi Jinping in front of masked officials at the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on May 21, 2020. REUTERS / Carlos Garcia

Text by: RFI Follow

The Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference began on Thursday May 21 in Beijing, a prelude to the opening of the National People's Assembly tomorrow. A plenary session postponed due to the coronavirus epidemic. A minute of silence was observed by the delegates for those who lost their lives in the fight against an epidemic that has become a pandemic.

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From our correspondent in Beijing , Stéphane Lagarde

Tribute to the sacrifices of Hubei, Wuhan and all of China who lost their lives in the battle against the coronavirus. The image alone sums up the trauma from which the country is emerging. With the exception of the politburo, the 2,057 delegates are masked, heads bowed for this minute of silence.

► Also read: Coronavirus: China, from denial to pandemic

The Great Palace of the people is no longer a crackling camera, despite the emptiness on the second balcony, usually reserved for the press. Because for this 2020 parliamentary session, few journalists can attend the event, and those who were retained had to pass a test at  Covid-19 .

Thermal cameras at the entrance of hotels

Vigilance has also been reinforced in railway stations. Neighborhood committees monitor the entrances and exits of residences. And more generally, health control measures are in addition to the usual security measures such as banning balloons, pigeons and other flying objects near Tiananmen Square.

Thermal cameras to read body temperature have been installed in addition to metal detectors at the entrance of certain hotels where delegates are stationed. These measures are intended to prevent any risk of contamination, but it is also a question of image. This annual congress should appear as a sign of China's victory over the epidemic, a return to normal despite the sea of ​​masks.

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  • China
  • Coronavirus
  • Diplomacy

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