INTELLIGENCE REPORT: COVID PROTESTS IN CHINA

Numerous demonstrations occurred over the weekend in Chinese cities due to unrest over the country's draconian COVID regulations. This report covers events between 270000Z-280730Z NOV22.

Background

(U) Over the weekend, dozens of protests took place in several Chinese cities as anger over the government's strict COVID restrictions reached a boiling point.

(U) Individuals and small groups of up to 1,000 people have gathered for prayer vigils and nonviolent street protests. They have pushed over epidemic barriers in certain cities, like Wuhan, and engaged in physical conflict with authorities in Shanghai. Demonstrators calling for the end of lockdowns and frequent mass testing have been seen holding candles, phone lights, and blank pieces of paper.

(U) Demands for democracy, journalistic freedom, and an end to online censorship have been echoed at other protests. There have also reportedly been chants that repeat the phrases used by the protester on the Beijing bridge before the Communist party conference political gathering last month.

Locations

(U) As at 28 0116h NOV 22, protests have taken place in 13 localities across China:

Protest Activity