By Kevin Zhang
A rare demonstration protesting President Xi Jinping and China’s strict Zero Covid policy has taken place in Beijing, just days before the historic 20th Communist Party congress is to take place.
Images have surfaced online showing two protest banners on a bridge in the north-west part of Beijing. The protest was reportedly quickly snuffed out by authorities.
Anger has been mounting amongst residents of the capital city, with many pouring out their frustration online at the strict Covid restrictions put in place. Authorities have also been tightening access to the city, shutting out many travelers, and forcing residents to quarantine and returning deliveries.
Images and footage of the protest that had been circulating on the internet showed two large banners unfurled on a bridge in Beijing’s Haidian district.
One poster read: “No Covid test, we want to eat. No restrictions, we want freedom. No lies, we want dignity. No Cultural Revolution, we want reform. No leaders, we want votes. By not being slaves, we can be citizens.”
Another called on residents to go on strike at school and at work, and “remove dictator and national traitor Xi Jinping”.
Video from the scene showed thick plumes of smoke on a bridge and a man could be heard chanting slogans into a loudspeaker. Signs of a protest occurring vanished quickly, though there continued to be a heavy police presence in the area afterwards.
The week-long 20th Party Congress is due to begin on Sunday, and will see over 2,300 top officials and party members visiting the capital.
China’s leader Xi Jinping is expected to be given a third term, breaking decades-long traditions of two term presidencies and securing his power.
Security on the streets in Beijing has been tightened prior to the important event, with paramilitary police patrolling public transits and areas near the Great Hall of the People, where the congress is to take place.
