A rare protest in China, which saw large banners on an overpass calling for a boycott and removal of Xi Jinping, has resulted in strict online censorship in the country as authorities seek to “cleanse” the internet of any evidence of dissent from the ruling Communist Party. a meeting once every five years that begins on Sunday. As Xi prepares to cement his role as China’s most powerful leader in decades at the meeting, China has clamped down on searches for “Beijing” on social media following a protest this week.
The protest, which was said to be against China’s strict Covid zero policy, touted as one of Xi Jinping‘s many achievements, saw the word “Beijing” blacklisted by Chinese censorship. Earlier search terms including “Sitong Bridge” – the site of the protest – were also banned. The song, which shared the name of the bridge, has been pulled from all streaming devices, the Associated Press reported. Other banned search terms are: “haidian,” “warrior,” “brave man” and “courage,” . China is trying to quell the protest ahead of the 20th Communist Party Congress, where Xi Jinping is expected to extend his rule for another term. Xi Jinping, who came to power in 2012, could be given a third five-year term at the key meeting.
