The latest trigger was a fire at an apartment block in Xinjiang, which killed at least ten people. Local residents claim that doorways and fire exits in the building were sealed to control covid
, hailed by state media as “commander in chief of the people’s war against covid”.
These are merely the latest signs that Chinese citizens think the policy has lasted too long. In recent weeks there have been instances of indignant residents variously kicking down steel barriers meant to seal them in housing estates or—at the most genteel end of the protests—calling the police to question the legal authority of locally-enforced covid restrictions.
The authorities have, at least, started tweaking their controls to make them more precise—and more durable. But the 20-point plan released by the government two weeks ago, which aims to eliminate inefficient tactics, has arguably contributed to the current mood. Earlier this year party leaders expressly condemned dissent over the zero-covid policy. By suggesting that unreasonable controls can be lifted, though, the party has made debate about the whole policy legitimate.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Cars set alight in huge riots after Morocco beat Belgium at World CupTear gas has been fired at crowds following Belgium’s 2-0 loss to Morocco at the World Cup.
Read more »
Rare protests in China as fatal fire collides with zero-COVID fatigueChina is the only major country still fighting COVID with lockdowns and mass testing but, after living with extreme restrictions for months, many citizens have had enough.
Read more »
Covid protests widen in China after Urumqi fireVideos on social media appear to show some protesters asking leader Xi Jinping to resign.
Read more »
China protests turn violent as zero-Covid anger spreads\n\t\t\tKeep abreast of significant corporate, financial and political developments around the world.\n\t\t\tStay informed and spot emerging risks and opportunities with independent global reporting, expert\n\t\t\tcommentary and analysis you can trust.\n\t\t
Read more »
Covid protests spread across China after lockdown blamed for apartment block fire deathsA fire on Thursday that killed 10 people has sparked a wave of demonstrations
Read more »