A rare demonstration against Chinese President Xi Jinping and his policies was quickly interrupted in Beijing on Thursday, just days before he is poised to earn a third term in power at a major Communist Party gathering.
Images showed two protest banners on a bridge in the city's northwestern outskirts. The officials looked to have quickly put an end to the protest.
Frustration has been building in the capital in the run-up to the congress. There has been an outpouring of rage online in response to the severe security measures and COVID limits imposed.
"Say no to Covid test, yes to food. No to lockdown, yes to freedom. No to lies, yes to dignity. No to cultural revolution, yes to reform. No to great leader, yes to vote. Don't be a slave, be a citizen," one banner read.
"Go on strike, remove dictator and national traitor Xi Jinping," another read.
Authorities have restricted entry to the city, keeping outbound deliveries, numerous travelers, and returning citizens. Others had their freedom of movement limited or had to stay in quarantine.
Along with the protest slogans being broadcast loudspeaker-style and smoke plumes rising from the bridge, these images and videos also feature smoke.
Discussions regarding the rally were severely banned on Chinese social media. Several individuals used the hashtags #Beijing and #Haidian to show their admiration and support for the protest. Others referenced the demonstrator in a covert way by sharing the Chinese pop song "Lonely Warrior." A large number of these posts were immediately removed.
Several recent cases have generated public outrage, including a bus accident that killed 27 individuals on their way to quarantine camps.
The dissatisfaction contrasts with the jubilant attitude for the 20th Party Congress evident in state media and institutions.
Social unrest against the top leadership is extremely rare in China, particularly in the run-up to major political gatherings, when officials turn Beijing into a fortress to ensure security and stability. The Communist Party national conference, held every two decades, is the most important event on China's political calendar.
Xi is generally anticipated to break with prior traditions and extend his leadership for another term at the 20th Party Congress, potentially paving the path for lifelong rule.
A massive crackdown has been launched by Xi, the most powerful and authoritarian Chinese leader in decades, to quell dissent both within the party and in the larger public.
As continuous lockdowns disrupt lives and wreak havoc on the economy, his draconian zero-COVID policy has fanned rising public resentment.
