But this weekend’s celebrations will only add to a growing list of woes for President Xi Jinping.
His dreams of overtaking the US as the world’s largest economy were dealt a blow last week. Statistics show China’s population is set to fall – 10 years sooner than predicted.
India, meanwhile, will become the world’s most populous country – if it has not already done so.
New Year festivities usually bring some joy to the nation, as hundreds of millions of Chinese travel to be with family.
Yet it will be the first time many have been able to share pandemic tales.
China expert Dean Cheng said: “Xi had a choice: sustain his zero-Covid lockdown policy and deny hundreds of millions their only opportunity to see family for the year, or roll the dice and remove restrictions.
This story is from the January 22, 2023 edition of Sunday Express.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the January 22, 2023 edition of Sunday Express.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Fury as jailed killer 'stars in rap video'
DRILL rap gangs are using artificial intelligence to create music videos glamorising murderers online.
Cleese: I've never met a German offended by goose-stepping Fawlty
JOHN Cleese says he has never met a German who was offended by Basil Fawlty repeatedly mentioning the Second World War and goosestepping around a room.
Ka-Pow! White House gong for reliable Robin
IT WAS the TV series that gripped a generation of children as crime-fighting duo Batman and Robin defended Gotham City from villains like The Joker.
Star Adjoa: Bridgerton fans burst into tears when they see me!
BRIDGERTON star Adjoa Andoh says fans of the period drama really think she is Lady Danbury – and often “burst into tears” when they see her.
Star Trek's 3ft TV space ship returns home
THE first model of the USS Enterprise used in the opening credits of the original Star Trek TV show has boldly arrived back home – after being lost for almost half a century.
Just £6,000 for a posh bag of chips
CHEAP as chips is not a description everyone would apply to this fast food-themed handbag – as the accessory costs almost £6,000.
Trump 'won't join breakaway tour'
JUDD TRUMP has revealed he has turned down an approach from a rival tour.
QUINS SURVIVE A CARE SCARE
BOSS Danny Wilson admitted Danny Care dodged a red card as Harlequins kept their play-off hopes alive.
JARR-ING END FOR KLOPP
Anfield boss waves farewell to hopes of second title
In the jungle...the mighty jungle...the lion sleeps tonight
JUST when you think it’s safe to get forty winks, along comes a camera crew.