Pandemic and Political Stability: Assessing People’s Resistance in China (80643)
Session: On Demand
Room: Virtual Video Presentation
Presentation Type:Virtual Presentation
This article explores the reasons behind the massive anti-Zero-Covid protests, famously dubbed the “White Paper Revolution”, which took place in late 2022. It focuses on how people's lives were transformed by the impact of the Zero-COVID policy, including both local-level party cadres and ordinary people. This article examines intra-party dissatisfaction among local-level cadres by elucidating the political logic inherent in the promotion model during the Xi era. Through this analysis, it aims to shed light on the anxieties experienced by local-level party cadres amidst the pandemic. Furthermore, this article conducts an in-depth examination of the discontent among the Chinese populace, specifically focusing on the impact of the implementation of the Zero-COVID policy and the subsequent transformation of public sentiment towards it. This investigation is carried out through interviews with multiple Chinese individuals who have directly experienced the enforcement of such policies. The article argues that the promotion model of party cadres during the Xi era heavily relies on “redness”, similar to the Mao era. This reliance has contributed to the implementation of excessive quarantine measures by local-level cadres, and they would face serious political punishment if they did not successfully maintain a “zero” record. Hence, the government's infringement on people’s lives was significantly heightened, impacting the most basic and important units of Chinese society – families – severely due to numerous forced separations by unnecessary quarantines. Therefore, the accumulated discontent within both the party and the general populace ultimately led to the outbreak of the “White Paper Revolution”.
Authors:
Haoguang Li, Keio University, Japan
Songqi Han, The University of Tokyo, Japan
About the Presenter(s)
Mr Haoguang Li is a University Doctoral Student at Keio University in Japan
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