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Why are Chinese protesters holding up blank pieces of paper?

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Anti-lockdown protests continue in China, as the nation records its highest day of coronavirus cases

Blank sheets of paper speak a thousand words in China, as protesters seek to evade censorship or arrest.

Hundreds have gathered at top universities across the country in defiance of Beijing’s Covid-zero strategy.

Infections continue to hit record highs, with nearly 40,000 new reported cases on Sunday.

Chinese President Xi Jinping maintains a policy of controlling the spread of the coronavirus through strict lockdown measures.

According to Chinese officials, the idea is to keep cases to their lowest possible in the shortest period of time.

Beijing believes the strategy has led to one of the “most successful” Covid-19 responses in the world.

However, Human Rights Watch has described the measures as “draconian”.

The advocacy group believes the measures have “significantly impeded” people’s access to health care, food, and other necessities.

Why are the protests happening now?

The latest round of protests follow an apartment fire in Urumqi, the capital of the Xinjiang region, which left 10 people dead on Thursday.

Hana Young is the Deputy Regional Director at Amnesty International, who said the fire has inspired remarkable bravery.

“It is virtually impossible for people in China to protest peacefully without facing harassment and prosecution.”

“Peaceful protesters are holding blank pieces of paper, chanting slogans, and engaging in many forms of creative dissent.”

HANA YOUNG, AMNESTY INTERNATIOnAL

People in the region had been locked down for over 100 days. However, there are concerns some residents have been locked into their apartments completely.

How common are protests in China?

Blank sheets of paper have become the norm for Chinese protesters.

According to some chat groups on the Weibo platform, protesters were encouraged to bring blank pieces of paper rather than writing slogans or words, which may be banned in China.

The tactic has been previously used in Moscow as Russian protesters gathered to oppose the war in Ukraine.

Protests are rare in China, as President Xi seeks stamp out any anti-government sentiments.

The Chinese government has tried to manage the flow of information around Covid-19.

President Xi Jinping is at the centre of many protests in China.

Human Rights Watch describes the response as a way of “censor[ing] criticism” of the government’s response.

Sun Jian is a graduate student who was expelled from Ludong University for opposing lockdowns on campus.

“The trouble brought by the virus can’t be compared with the disruption from some of the anti-COVID measures taken by our school,” Sun told Reuters.

International human rights law notes any public health restrictions should be evidence-based and proportional. China has signed but not ratified the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

“The Chinese government must immediately review its Covid-19 policies to ensure that they are proportionate and time-bound,” said Ms Young at Amnesty International.

“All quarantine measures that pose threats to personal safety and unnecessarily restrict freedom of movement must be suspended.”

HANA YOUNG, AMNESTY INTERNATIOnAL

Protesters commemorated victims of the Urumqi fire and continue to call for the easing for coronavirus restrictions.

Dozens have been also detained and arrested on Urumqi Road in Shanghai after calling for President Xi to step down.

Costa is a news producer at ticker NEWS. He has previously worked as a regional journalist at the Southern Highlands Express newspaper. He also has several years' experience in the fire and emergency services sector, where he has worked with researchers, policymakers and local communities. He has also worked at the Seven Network during their Olympic Games coverage and in the ABC Melbourne newsroom. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts (Professional), with expertise in journalism, politics and international relations. His other interests include colonial legacies in the Pacific, counter-terrorism, aviation and travel.

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China seeks to establish itself as EV leads

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China’s dominance in the electric vehicle (EV) market is reshaping the global automotive landscape, as acknowledged by Elon Musk, who views Chinese car companies as Tesla’s most formidable competitors.

 

Beyond being a manufacturing hub, China has excelled in EV development, influencing the industry across resource refining, battery production, software, and manufacturing. Established brands such as Audi, Toyota, and BMW are now collaborating with Chinese partners for EV platforms, batteries, and production. This shift is evident in Australia, where China-made car sales have surged 16-fold in the last five years, and top-selling EVs are predominantly Chinese.

Leading Chinese brands like BYD, SAIC Motor’s MG, and Chery are making significant strides in Australia, with ambitious plans and models that outperform established competitors. China’s impact extends beyond its borders, making it a driving force in the global EV market, shaping growth, innovation, and competition in sustainable mobility.

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Is remote learning here to stay?

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The Great Transformation – how will we learn in the futre?

 
The rise of the digital age has transformed news, media and entertainment and there are signs that it may affect education as well.

Host of The Great Transformation Professor Tim Harcourt from the University of Technology Sydney, gives his predictions about how we will learn in the future.

#featured #the great transformation #tgt

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Can this climate group agree on anything?

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The global climate summit has hit a roadblock as delegates clash over the contentious issue of a fossil fuel phase-out.

 
Tensions reached a fever pitch after OPEC nations vehemently pushed back against the proposed measures, leading to an impasse that threatens progress on tackling climate change.

As world leaders gathered in an effort to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels and limit global warming, the negotiations took an unexpected turn.

The deadlock has left environmental activists around the world frustrated, as hopes were high for a breakthrough agreement. #featured #climate #cop28

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