China Censors ‘Beijing’ After Rare Protest in City Against Xi
- Two banners criticizing Xi, Covid Zero were displayed in city
- Chinese leader is preparing for crowning moment in capital
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Chinese censors have taken the extreme step of restricting the search term “Beijing” on social media, after a rare public denouncement of President Xi Jinping days before his highly anticipated crowning moment in the capital.
Two banners were unfurled from the Sitong Bridge, in northwestern Beijing, on Thursday, blasting Xi and his strict Covid Zero policy of lockdowns and mass testing. Photos and videos circulating on social media showed smoke rising from a fire behind the handwritten slogans, which were soon after removed by authorities.