Covid case surge tests "optimizations"; Xi returns to Beijing; Chen Wenqing goes to Yan'an; TikTok's US troubles
Summary of today’s Essential Eight:
Covid cases surging - Beijing recorded three Covid-related deaths, the first official deaths from Covid in the PRC in six months. Cases are surging in several cities including Beijing, Shijiazhuang, which has now locked down, Guangzhou and Chongqing. Vice Premier and Covid czar Sun Chunlan made a research and inspectio…