Protests erupt in China against stringent Covid-19 rules

Protests against the Chinese government's strict Covid measures have intensified with people thronging the streets against President Xi Jinping's harsh zero-Covid policy. Stringent Covid rules have caused anger across the country with people protesting and chanting "Xi Jinping, step down! CCP, step down!" 

Hundreds of people took to the streets in China's major cities on Sunday (November 27) to protest against the country's zero-Covid policy, in a rare outpouring of public anger against the state. Credit: Reuters Photo

At least 400 people gathered on the banks of a river in the capital Beijing for several hours, with some shouting:

China's hardline virus strategy is stoking public frustration, with many growing weary of snap lockdowns, lengthy quarantines and mass testing campaigns. Credit: AP Photo

Last week, a deadly fire in Urumqi became a fresh catalyst for public anger, with many blaming Covid lockdowns for hampering rescue efforts. However, authorities denied the claims. Credit: AFP Photo

The scene described the crowd singing the national anthem and listening to speeches, while on the other side of the canal bank, a line of police cars waited. Credit: AFP Photo

Cars honked in support as people remained in the area until early, chanting and waving blank sheets of paper symbolising censorship. Credit: Reuters Photo

Authorities blocked the road to stop cars passing, and around 100 plainclothes and police officers arrived on the scene. Credit: AFP Photo

Eventually, protesters agreed to leave after making officers promise their demands had been heard. Credit: Reuters Photo

In Shanghai, cops clashed with groups of protesters as officers tried to move people away from the site of an earlier demonstration on Wulumuqi street. Credit: Reuters Photo

Crowds that had gathered overnight -- some of whom chanted