Taiwan is geographically close to China, and there has always been interaction across the Taiwan Strait. Many Taiwanese own businesses in China, and many more have relatives or family members there. Even for those who have little connection with China, it is important to pay attention to how Taiwan might be influenced by its COVID-19 case numbers. Yet, due to China’s lack of transparency and some Taiwanese pundits’ statements, Taiwan should be especially careful about information regarding China’s COVID-19 situation.
First, Taiwan should be careful about China’s case numbers and death toll. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, China has not adhered to international definitions of virus cases and deaths. China’s official numbers have been unbelievably low, and it is natural that they are doubted.
However, some speculation about China’s COVID-19 situation is far from reasonable. Some Taiwanese media firms have quoted Chinese online articles as saying that there have been more than 600 million cases in China so far.
It is likely that when the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) upheld its “zero COVID-19” policy, the numbers of daily cases and deaths in the country were much lower than elsewhere. Now, that the CCP’s policy apparently aims to reach the peak of a COVID-19 wave as soon as possible, it is likely that local health agencies exaggerate their numbers to please their higher-ups. As long as a source is in China, its information can hardly be trusted.
Second, Taiwan should be careful about information related to alleged new variants of SARS-CoV-2. Many influencers and pundits have said that new variants have emerged after China lifted most virus curbs, but their statements are based on rumors and unreliable data.
Facts about China’s COVID-19 situation could only be obtained through testing and other measures imposed on travelers arriving from China. Misleading speculation only causes more confusion.
Third, Taiwan should be careful about managing its disease prevention resources, as the situation across the Strait could easily affect the nation. Shortages of pain relief and fever medication in China might lead to hoarding of those drugs in Taiwan, and a lack of treatments against COVID-19 in China could boost demand for locally produced herbal treatments such as Taiwan Chingguan Yihau (清冠一號), or NRICM101.
The supply of treatments for chronic diseases could also be disrupted, as demand might fluctuate due to the chaotic health situation in China.
Fourth, Taiwanese should be careful about shouting matches and trash talk. Amid China’s COVID-19 outbreak, social media platforms have been replete with ideological quarrels and political conflict. It is never easy to discuss sensitive topics — such as whether Taiwan should provide medical assistance to China or what policies are best to mitigate the situation — but amid the latest COVID-19 outbreak in China, it has become nearly impossible to discuss such issues.
Some pundits, taking advantage of the volatile circumstances, have tried to reap the benefits by promoting their opinions. Taiwanese should disregard them and instead depend on reliable news sources whose reports are based on solid field research to understand the COVID-19 situation in China. Models predicting the spread of the virus by reputable think tanks can be trusted as well.
Social media platforms, on the contrary, should never be counted on, and Taiwanese should strive not to be a part of the fake news transmission chain.
Chang Yueh-han is an adjunct assistant professor in Shih Hsin University’s Department of Journalism.
Translated by Liu Yi-hung
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