China Protests COVID Lockdowns After Xinjiang Fire

China is currently witnessing widespread protests as people voice their opposition to strict COVID lockdown measures, which have been further exacerbated by a deadly apartment fire.

In an unusual mass movement throughout the country, protesters have defied the laws implemented to control the spread of COVID-19 and have taken to the streets. Interestingly, some demonstrators have held up blank white sheets of paper instead of conventional signs, symbolizing their frustration with the government’s censorship that prohibits citizens from speaking out.

The protests intensified after a fire broke out in Xinjiang resulting in the loss of at least 10 lives. Critics argue that the fire was a consequence of the stay-at-home measures, which led to the doors of the building being locked. On Sunday, the protests escalated with gatherings demanding the removal of the ruling party and the president’s resignation in major cities such as Shanghai. Videos shared on social media captured protesters repeatedly chanting slogans like “Communist Party step down, Xi Jinping step down.”