After the SARS experience, the Chinese government was particularly (and rightly) concerned about the potential for public panic inhibiting an effective response to an outbreak, and they were especially worried about triggering the sort of disruptive panic-buying of sanitary supplies and consumer goods we've seen in the US. Unlike subsequent outbreaks elsewhere, this came at the Chinese government cold, with no prior warning. Under the circumstances, their response has been about as effective as you could possibly expect it to be, and far more effective than the responses of many other governments that did have lead time to prepare.