As etches of “I want my freedom back” ricochet off the walls of Guangzhou, the world is reminded of an ancient caution: that liberty, once lost, is seldom easily regained. The southern Chinese city beats with the rhythm of resistance as its citizenry cries foul against what they see as unjust and damaging COVID retrogressions, piloted by the nation’s administration.
Recently, the stringent COVID lockdowns imposed by the Chinese administration met a formidable backlash in forms of countrywide demonstrations. A resounding “we want freedom” echoed across the country in such significant numbers that not even the high walls of the White House could mute.
Indeed, the “land of the free” was unequivocal in its condemnation of the lockdowns strategy adopted by the Chinese. The Biden administration, in a statement released through their National Security Council, emphasized that the right to peaceful protest is a universal right, even for Chinese citizens under the People’s Republic of China (PRC).
Already confined in their homes for nearly three years since the pandemic began, the citizens of China have grown weary of the relentless lockdowns, in stark contrast to their global peers whose restrictions have been eased. The US government has urged China to refocus its energies on improving vaccination rates and enhancing the accessibility of testing and treatment.
According to Dr. Anthony Fauci, a respected figure in the world of infectious diseases, giving due attention to immunization, particularly among the elderly, is crucial in combating the virus. He further criticized China’s strategy as a “very, very strict extraordinary lockdown… but without any seeming endgame.”
While China’s aggressive response to the pandemic achieved a dramatic reduction in COVID-related fatalities in comparison to nations like the US, the heavy-handed approach gravely impacted the country’s economy. The imbalance created a groundswell of civil discontent, manifesting in demonstrations held across the nation.
In cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Urumqi, people took to the streets to protest what they deem as the ‘impractical’ and harsh measures by their national government. This resistance has also caused trepidation in the investor community, already wary of the escalating tension between law enforcement and protesters.
In support of the citizens, the White House urged the Chinese government to safeguard the right to peaceful protest and expressed skepticism over the future of the current zero COVID strategy. According to the US administration, China’s plan shows signs of potential failure and impracticality, leading to a ripple effect with protests breaking out in key sectors across the nation.
This civil unrest in China serves as a sobering reminder that while lockdowns and restrictions may slow the virus, they can also have profound societal impacts. Amid the economic struggle, the cries of the Chinese people for something as fundamental as liberty reverberate across the globe, an echo that won’t soon be stilled. With their resolve, they call on the world to remember that even in extreme circumstances, the human spirit’s yearning for freedom remains resilient.
