Economist Podcasts Patience zero: China’s remarkable unrest
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Nov 28, 2022 
Gabriel Crossley, a China correspondent for The Economist, delves into the bold protests sweeping China, fueled by public outrage over strict zero-COVID policies. As major cities erupt in dissent, the Communist Party faces increasing scrutiny. Meanwhile, Katrine Breich, an Environment Editor for The Economist, sheds light on California's wildfires, detailing how these devastating fires undermine the state's green initiatives and exacerbate climate change. Together, they highlight the urgent need for effective management in the face of growing unrest and environmental crises.
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Urumqi Fire Sparks Protests
- Protests against China's zero-COVID policy are widespread, sparked by a deadly fire in Urumqi.
- People blame COVID restrictions for trapping residents, leading to increased anger and demonstrations.
Escalating Demands of Protesters
- Protests in China are evolving from vigils to direct calls for Xi Jinping's resignation and liberation of Xinjiang.
- This signifies a bold shift in public dissent, rarely seen in China, as police response remains relatively muted.
Censorship Overload
- Widespread protests suggest China's censorship machine is struggling to contain information flow.
- Similar to the early pandemic, the volume of online content and defiance is overwhelming censors.