"Xi Jinping Step Down" Protest Against COVID Lockdown in Shanghai

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Min-young] Protests by residents against COVID-19 lockdowns took place across various regions, including Shanghai, China.

On the 27th, foreign media such as AP reported that thousands gathered at Urumqi Middle Road in Shanghai to protest the fire in Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, which was locked down due to COVID-19 on the 24th and resulted in 10 deaths.

Urumqi Middle Road, where the protest occurred, is known as an area with a large population of Xinjiang Uygurs.

Foreign media reported that the protests in this area continued until dawn, with slogans such as "Lift the Urumqi lockdown" followed by "Xi Jinping step down."

It is interpreted that public anger grew as SNS posts spread claims that apartment installations made to strengthen quarantine measures immediately after the fire incident hindered firefighting efforts.

AP reported that SNS videos capturing the protest scenes were immediately deleted, but many residents lit candles to pray for the victims.

Additionally, about 100 police officers were reported to have blocked the protesters on site, with additional personnel deployed.

According to Chinese social media Weibo, residents in some apartments in Beijing's Chaoyang District also held protests against apartment lockdowns.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.