Last weekend, mass protests broke out across China over Beijing’s zero-COVID policy. A deadly apartment fire in the Xinjiang region sparked the demonstrations—the largest the country has seen since 1989. In this rare nationwide display of dissent, some protesters have even challenged the ruling Chinese Communist Party, demanded freedom of expression, and called for President Xi Jinping’s resignation.
Beijing has since quelled many of the protests. Now, the question is whether the demonstrations can lead to lasting change. In this edition of Flash Points, we explore the origins of the protests, their impact on China’s ruling party, and what they could mean for China’s future.—Chloe Hadavas
Xi’s Obsession With Control Produced China’s Protests
This challenge to the Chinese Communist Party and the state has been building for some time, FP’s Howard W. French writes.
Last weekend, mass protests broke out across China over Beijing’s zero-COVID policy. A deadly apartment fire in the Xinjiang region sparked the demonstrations—the largest the country has seen since 1989. In this rare nationwide display of dissent, some protesters have even challenged the ruling Chinese Communist Party, demanded freedom of expression, and called for President Xi Jinping’s resignation.
Beijing has since quelled many of the protests. Now, the question is whether the demonstrations can lead to lasting change. In this edition of Flash Points, we explore the origins of the protests, their impact on China’s ruling party, and what they could mean for China’s future.—Chloe Hadavas
Xi’s Obsession With Control Produced China’s Protests
This challenge to the Chinese Communist Party and the state has been building for some time, FP’s Howard W. French writes.
What Sparked China’s Weekend of Anger?
ChinaFile contributors discuss the roots of China’s protests.
Will China’s Protests Survive?
A nationwide movement of this scale has no post-1989 precedent, FP’s James Palmer writes.
China’s Protests Punch a Hole in Xi’s Credibility
A new wave of social unrest may be here, Deng Yuwen writes.
China’s Massive Protests Are the End of a Once-Trusted Governance Model
Local tools of party power have been overwhelmed by zero-COVID, Lynette H. Ong writes.
The post What You Need to Know About China’s Protests appeared first on Foreign Policy.
