China's early mishandling of COVID-19 has had a profound effect on the world and on America in particular. China has rejected any criticism of its epidemic response, saying it bought time for the rest of the world. Chinese President Xi Jinping told 170,000 officials in a teleconference on February 23 that the country’s leadership acted swiftly and cohesively since the beginning.

A Wall Street Journal reconstruction paints a different picture, revealing how a series of early missteps, dating back to the very first patients, were compounded by political leaders who dragged their feet to inform the public of the risks and to take decisive control measures.