Why did China persist with a zero-COVID policy? A cultural interpretation of Confucianism

Xiaolong TianDepartment of Political Science and Law, University of Jinan, Tom ChristensenDepartment of Political Science, University of Oslo, Liang MaDepartment of Public Administration, Peking University

Public Policy and Administration

Published online on July 10, 2025

Abstract

Public Policy and Administration, Ahead of Print.
From the initial outbreak in Wuhan to December 2022, China maintained a zero-COVID policy to control the pandemic. This article examines the policy persistence through a Confucian lens, focusing on three cultural indicators derived from a combination of ...