Worrying signs for China: Heightened hubris amid pandemic

IN recent weeks, China’s state media has been packed with reports of Beijing’s humanitarian spirit, its willingness to share its experience in dealing with the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, and its dispatch of medical experts and supplies to those less fortunate, including the rich countries of Europe and the United States, which are dependent on Chinese medical equipment — ranging from basic test kits to life-saving ventilators.

China, the first victim of the pandemic, has largely brought the deadly virus under control and, in the process, gained credibility as a global leader, especially when the US squandered precious months, during which it did little to prepare for the virus’ onslaught.