Odd Lots The Covid Protests in China and Why They Happened Now
Dec 1, 2022
In this engaging discussion, Victor Shih, a UC San Diego professor and expert on Chinese politics, unveils the recent wave of protests in China against Covid Zero policies. He explores the factors that ignited these unprecedented demonstrations, including economic strife and strict quarantine measures. Shih highlights the government's unusual tolerance for dissent and the historical context of public protests. Listeners gain insights into the potential for significant political changes and the deep-seated frustrations among China's younger generation.
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Extraordinary Protests
- The current protests in China are extraordinary due to their in-person nature and scale across major cities.
- This hasn't been seen since 1989, making it a historically significant moment.
Urban vs. Rural Protests
- While protests occur regularly in rural China, the current wave is distinct.
- It targets broader issues like constitutional reform and freedom, unlike localized rural grievances.
Legal Risks of Protests
- Protesting and criticizing the CCP's leadership is legally risky in China.
- While freedom of speech exists, any subversion of the CCP is illegal.
