The Daily What It’s Like Inside One of China’s Protests
39 snips
Nov 30, 2022 Vivian Wang, a China correspondent for The New York Times, shares firsthand insights on the recent protests sweeping China against strict COVID-19 restrictions. She describes the emotions and motivations of demonstrators, highlighting how initial grievances over lockdowns have evolved into broader calls for change. The discussion also touches on the impact of the zero COVID policy on personal freedoms, the role of government propaganda, and the potential implications for President Xi Jinping's leadership amid rising public dissent.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Urumqi Fire Tragedy
- A fire in Urumqi, Xinjiang, killed 10 people, possibly due to COVID lockdowns.
- Speculation arose that locked doors and blocked roads hindered escape and rescue efforts.
Protests Spread
- Protests sparked in Urumqi after the fire and spread to Shanghai.
- Initially a candlelight vigil, the Shanghai protest grew as images circulated online.
White Paper Protest
- Protesters held blank white paper to implicitly protest censorship.
- This tactic avoids direct criticism, making it harder for authorities to suppress.