The country’s top security forces have called for ‘stern action’ after the protests

The regime is determined to counter the growing anger Sign. Two days later, the country’s main security agency on Tuesday called for “stern action” against “hostile forces”. Major events Against health restrictions and for greater freedom. A police presence on the streets prevents any new gatherings for now.

The Communist Party’s Political and Legal Affairs Commission – which oversees law enforcement – found it “necessary to crack down on infiltration and acts of sabotage by forces hostile to the law”. The report of the meeting was broadcast according to the government-run report. News agency New China. The organization considers it important to “resolutely safeguard social stability”.

The promise of accelerating vaccination

The National Health Commission, for its part, has pledged to “accelerate the vaccination rate of those over 80 and continue to increase the vaccination rate of those aged 60 to 79”. Inadequate vaccination rates in China, particularly among the elderly, have been one of the government’s arguments in defense of its strict health policy, including repeated incarcerations and near-daily inspections.

The policy, which has been in place for nearly three years, was the target of protests in several cities last weekend, the most widespread protest movement since pro-democracy rallies were bloodied in 1989. In the background, deep frustration with the political establishment was also expressed. The protesters who raised slogans, some demanded Xi Jinping And the Communist Party leaves power.

After a tumultuous weekend, heavy police presence in major Chinese cities appeared to deter protesters on Tuesday. In Beijing, AFP journalists saw a few police vehicles but no protesters at an intersection near the Asian Games Village, where a demonstration was planned. The extremely low temperature, minus nine degrees Celsius, no doubt discouraged any new gatherings. The frustration of the drastic measures taken to fight against Covid-19 is still evident.

Fewer restrictions in Urumqi

While Beijing is currently maintaining its strict policy in the face of Covid-19, there have been some signs of relaxation in recent days. Thus, in Urumqi, the capital of northwest China’s Xinjiang province, people could go shopping again on Tuesday after weeks of confinement. For its part, Beijing’s municipality has banned the “practice of blocking the doors of buildings in gated residential complexes,” according to New China, which has sparked public anger.