Political stakes high as Beijing responds to virus outbreak

By KEN MORITSUGU
Associated Press

BEIJING (AP) — Beijing is starting to resemble other Chinese cities grappling with the highly contagious omicron variant of the coronavirus. Officials have repeatedly asserted China’s adherence to a “zero-COVID” approach, requiring mass testing, lockdowns and the quarantining of anyone who tests positive. While many countries are dropping restrictions and trying to live with the virus, China is keeping its international borders largely shut and closing off entire cities to all but essential travel. For the Chinese capital, the political stakes are high as the ruling Communist Party prepares to hold a crucial national congress.