A Hong Kong media report published online about a rare protest Thursday in Beijing against Chinese leader Xi Jinping and the country's radical "zero-COVID" policy has disappeared, shortly before the ruling Communist Party's twice-a-decade congress begins this weekend.
It is not clear whether Thursday's report, published by online media platform HK01, was removed by authorities or whether the company took it down on its own in consideration of its sensitivity before the 20th party congress, starting Sunday, at which Xi is widely expected to secure an unprecedented third five-year term as general secretary.
Based on several photos and videos circulated online, the report said demonstrators on the Sitong Bridge in Beijing's Haidian district raised banners around noon Thursday, displaying slogans such as "We don't want COVID tests, we want to eat" and "We don't want lockdowns, we want freedom."
The banners also read, "We don't want Cultural Revolution, we want reforms," and "We don't want leaders, we want votes," with protesters using loudspeakers to convey their messages, as well as calling on people to go on strike, according to HK01.
Items were reportedly burned, with thick smoke rising from the scene. Police officers later took away the banners and removed a demonstrator wearing an orange shirt, the report said.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said at a press conference Friday in Beijing she is not aware of the situation.
Stringent anti-virus measures in the country involve frequent COVID-19 testing, the imposition of lockdowns on cities where outbreaks occur and quarantine periods for foreign visitors entering the country.
Public frustration has grown over the draconian measures as many inhabitants in locked-down areas have experienced difficulties obtaining adequate food and daily necessities.
