The Communist Party’s Central Political and Legal Commission, which oversees China’s security and justice departments, announced on the 29th that it will crack down on “hostile forces” and “subversive activities”. There was no mention of last weekend’s coronavirus protests, but it appears to be intended to keep protesters in check and justify government efforts to curb the backlash.
Chen Wenqing Member of the Politburo of the Central Political and Legal Committee of the partygeneral meetingcalled on the security sector to take strong measures to maintain national security and social stability. The committee also said it would not tolerate “illegal or criminal acts that disrupt the social order”. The meeting was held on the 28th, but the statement was released late on the 29th.
There was no mention in the statement of widespread protests against the “zero corona policy” which completely suppresses corona infections, but it is considered a reaction to this rally due to the timing. During the meeting, Mr. Chen disclosed the party’s “recent decisions and agreements”, but did not provide details.
Participants holding up a blank sheet of paper during a protest in Beijing (November 27)
Source: Bloomberg
This is the first time Chinese authorities have blamed “hostile forces” for the protests. When domestic unrest occurs, it is not uncommon for the Communist Party to attribute the cause to foreign interference, and it is often unclear who exactly it is referring to and does not provide evidence.
Hu Xijin, the former editor-in-chief of the Global Times and known for his pro-government remarks, tweeted that the statement by the party’s Political and Legal Commission “sent a clear warning message.” He argued that if protesters repeat their demonstrations, the risks would increase significantly.
Police have been deployed in large numbers in major cities and around the outbreak site following last weekend’s protests, and authorities are checking the identities and smartphones of passers-by. Massive police mobilizations appear to have stifled new demonstrations, but the plans are still being shared on social media groups and encrypted messaging apps.
US Ambassador to China Byrnes addressed the International Relations Council in Chicago on Monday, calling the protests “unusual” and urging China to refrain from the crackdown.
Police stand guard at a planned protest site in Beijing, Nov. 29.
Source: Bloomberg
Allegations of foreign involvement appeared to be widely accepted on heavily censored Chinese social media, but there seems to be some skepticism.
Video footage from recent protests in Beijing shows an unidentified man saying to a crowd around him, “Here,Anti-Chinese forces across the border” warns that it is out of place. Protesters, however, contested the statement. Many of them named the founders of communism who were born outside the country and questioned the man, saying, “Are the foreign powers you speak of Marx or Engels, or Lenin or Stalin?”
Bloomberg News was unable to immediately confirm the video’s authenticity.
Original title:China vows crackdown on ‘hostile forces’ amid Covid protests (2)(extract)
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