Rising Protests in China: Dissent Amid Economic and Social Pressures
London, 12 January 2026 – Protests in China have surged in recent years, driven by economic hardships, social injustices, and restrictive policies, challenging the Chinese Communist Party’s grip on power. From the iconic 1989 Tiananmen Square demonstrations to the 2022 White Paper protests against zero-COVID measures, these events reveal a pattern of dissent that authorities swiftly suppress, yet often fail to fully eradicate.
Historical Context of Protests in China
China’s protest landscape dates back to the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests, where hundreds of thousands demanded political reforms, only to face a brutal crackdown that killed hundreds, if not thousands. Since then, protests have evolved, focusing on local issues like unpaid wages, land seizures, and environmental concerns. Tens of thousands of “mass incidents” occur annually, as defined by the Chinese government as gatherings disrupting social stability. Notable events include the 2008 Tibetan unrest, the 2009 Ürümqi riots, and the 2019-2020 Hong Kong protests, which escalated into demands for democracy and autonomy.
Recent Developments: The 2022 White Paper Protests
The 2022 protests marked a significant shift, triggered by a deadly fire in Ürümqi amid strict lockdowns, leading to nationwide demonstrations against zero-COVID policies. Protesters held blank sheets of paper to symbolise censorship and chanted slogans like “Down with Xi Jinping!” and “We want freedom!” Authorities responded with arrests, surveillance, and concessions, easing restrictions but intensifying repression. These events highlighted growing frustration with economic downturns, high unemployment, and household debt, with over 11,000 dissent cases recorded in the first half of 2025 alone.
Key Facts and Statistics on Protests
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual Mass Incidents | Over 87,000 in 2005; estimated 180,000 in 2010; 75% increase in first half of 2025 compared to 2024. |
| Common Causes | Unpaid wages (most frequent), land development disputes, environmental issues, and NIMBY protests. |
| Government Response | Repression via arrests and censorship; occasional accommodation like policy concessions; tolerance for minor, localised grievances. |
| Recent Surge | 2022 COVID protests spread to over 100 universities and cities; led to zero-COVID policy abandonment in December 2022. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do protests occur so frequently in China despite repression?
Protests often stem from localised grievances like economic inequality and corruption, which the government struggles to address uniformly. While the CCP maintains tight control, the sheer scale of China’s population and diverse regions allows dissent to emerge, especially when central policies like zero-COVID exacerbate frustrations.
How does the Chinese government respond to protests?
Responses vary: repression through arrests and surveillance for large-scale or politically sensitive protests; accommodation by offering concessions or negotiations for manageable issues; and tolerance for minor gatherings to avoid escalation. The 2022 protests led to policy shifts but also heightened censorship and detentions.
What impact have protests had on China’s stability?
While protests rarely threaten the CCP’s rule directly, they signal underlying discontent and force policy adjustments. The 2022 events contributed to ending zero-COVID, but ongoing economic pressures could fuel more unrest, prompting the government to bolster security measures.