China has shown strong solidarity throughout its battle against COVID-19. From imposing lockdowns to developing vaccines and facilitating economic recovery, tough decisions had to be made. And one important approach that certainly guided these decisions is "putting people first." In the face of the pandemic, China insisted on prioritizing people's lives and health. The story of its fight against COVID-19 is rife with touching moments that show how the government adhered to a people-centered philosophy. But what exactly does this philosophy entail, and what does it mean for China? "The Tough Question" invited Guo Jianning, professor from the School of Marxism at Tsinghua University, to share his views.