Sky News Daily Why are protests on the rise in China?
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Jan 12, 2026 Helen-Ann Smith, Sky News Asia correspondent, provides a gripping look at the rising wave of protests in China. She shares her on-the-ground experiences from Shenzhen, where workers protested against wage cuts after production moved abroad. Helen-Ann reveals the dangers protesters face, including harassment and censorship, while highlighting alarming data showing over 5,000 protests in 2025 driven by economic grievances. She discusses how state narratives shape public perception and the potential implications of unrest echoing from Iran.
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Frontline Reporting From A Shenzhen Strike
- Helen-Ann Smith and her team travelled to Shenzhen after hearing about a factory strike and watched workers gather in blue overalls behind police lines.
- They were hurried into cars, held with local authorities for three hours, and had filming equipment seized during the encounter.
High Risk, Few Alternatives For Protesters
- Protesters in China face low thresholds for arrest, long surveillance, and harassment extending to family and employment consequences.
- The lack of independent unions, NGOs and advocacy channels leaves public protest as one of few remaining avenues for grievances.
Protesters Cheered When Journalists Arrived
- Helen-Ann Smith recounts that when protesters noticed foreign journalists they cheered and chanted, showing a desire to be seen and heard.
- This reaction contrasted with state messaging that paints foreign journalists as enemies, revealing protesters' hope for visibility.