A police vehicle is parked near a bridge where social media videos earlier appeared to show smoke
(Picture: AP)A rare protest took place in Beijing against Xi Jinping and Covid restrictions on Thursday just days before the Communist Party congress.
The protest took place on a bridge in Beijing’s northwestern Haidian district.
In one photo, published on social media, a banner was unfurled to read: “Overthrow the dictator and thief of the country Xi Jinping."
Another read: “We don’t want Covid tests, we want to eat; we don’t want lockdowns, we want to be free.”
These images (unverified) circulating of banners & smoke on a bridge in #Beijing. Protests are rare here esp. with security for Party Congress. The slogans lament #China's zero #COVID rules + say 'don't want Cultural Revolution, want reform' + 'don't want be slaves, be citizens'. pic.twitter.com/0PD4hUheCy
— Janis Mackey Frayer (@janisfrayer) October 13, 2022
Footage also showed black smoke rising from the bridge amid a time of rising pressure on China’s premier.
According to Sky News, around 30 police officers arrived at the scene and and swiftly ended the demonstration.
The incident comes ahead of the 20th congressional meeting of China’s ruling party on Sunday, where Xi is expected to secure a third leadership term.
Frustration has grown in China amid the pursuit of the government’s zero-Covid strategy.
In Shanghai restrictions have been enforced fuelling fears another lockdown may be introduced.
According to local media reports, 46 residential buildings or neighbourhoods had been designated medium risk, and one high, across 14 of Shanghai’s 16 districts.
Just 47 infections were reported in the city on Wednesday.
In Beijing and other cities across the country, a negative test result is required to enter parks, buildings, shops and other public spaces.
