China's dynamic zero-COVID policy is the most cost-effective one that works best for the country and virus response measures will continue to be more scientific and precise, a spokesman for the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China said on Saturday.

Sun Yeli, the spokesman, said at a news conference that China's dynamic zero-COVID strategy stresses rapid and targeted action to bring new infections under control, with minimum cost to society and in the shortest possible time. The health of the people is also protected and the impact of the virus on the economy and lives are minimized, he said.

Given the huge elderly population in China and limited healthcare resources, Sun said the approach has enabled the country to keep infections and case fatality rates of the disease very low. "Thanks to adherence to the policy, we have realized and sustained stable economic development," he said.

China has published nine editions of COVID-19 containment guidelines, in a sign of its continuous efforts to improve response measures to adjust to the evolving situation, he said, adding that the country will continue to improve its capability to coordinate anti-virus policies with social and economic development.

Sun said the reality is that the pandemic is still lingering.

"Looking ahead, we can see light and hope," he said. "With perseverance, we will triumph over the pandemic."