China - November 2022

Protests erupted in cities across China over lockdown measures linked to China's zero-COVID policy - marking the largest show of public dissent in recent years. Demonstrators called for an end to the strictest COVID-19 policies, but also greater political freedoms and, in some limited cases, for President Xi Jinping to step down. The protests were triggered by reports of a deadly fire in Xinjiang on 24 November, where strict lockdown measures allegedly hampered rescue and evacuation efforts. Economic woes also influenced the unrest.  

Reports note the extensive use of digital surveillance tools to track, intimidate, and arrest those participating in the marches. Conversely, the protests led to some restrictions being abruptly lifted on 29 November, such as in Guangzhou and Chongqing.  

Sources: South China Morning Post, Nikkei Asia, The Guardian (1), The Guardian (2)