China Anti-Lockdown Protesters Call For Xi to Step Down

"We don't want lifelong rulers. We don't want emperors," the crowd chanted, in reference to Xi, who has scrapped presidential term limits and could now rule for life.

"I joined the protest because I was dissatisfied with the government's imposition of lockdowns, the government's abuse of power, the strict online censorship, the covering up of truth in the Xinjiang fire and to show solidarity with people in Shanghai," a protester told DW's William Yang.

Another protester said that the lockdown "has been too long and it has cost people their freedom and jobs," which is why he was taking part in the demonstrations.

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Others complained government assistance had been scant at a time when people were reaching into their savings to cover expenses like mortgages and cars.

Earlier this week, protests turned violent at the world's biggest iPhone factory in the Chinese city of Zhengzhou.

Social media footage showed workers being beaten by police.

The facility was placed into lockdown last month, with many workers forced to sleep inside for weeks.

China cases low, but reach record high

Beijing has stuck with Xi's zero-Covid policy even as much of the world has lifted most restrictions.

While low by global standards, China's case numbers have hit record highs for days, with 39,506 domestic infections recorded Sunday.

The government has defended the policy as life-saving and necessary to prevent the health care system from being overwhelmed and has vowed to continue with it.

Source: AFP, AP, Reuters, DW