Beijing has been criticized for initially downplaying the severity of the coronavirus outbreak. Government data indicates the virus, which originated in Wuhan province, now appears to be subsiding in China. Some experts say Beijing’s move to lock down areas where the virus was widespread may have contributed to its decline. An Outspoken Critic In a scathing essay, Ren called Xi Jinping “a clown” in his handling of the Coronavirus outbreak. Ren referred to a teleconferenced address made by Xi on 23 February to party officials nationwide.  State media used the teleconference to showcase Xi as a capable leader battling the epidemic on the front line while public anger simmered at the initial government cover-up. Ren, who refrained from naming Xi, wrote that after reading the...