Strange scenes surrounding Xi’s third term

The China Letter: October 23, 2022

While largely scripted narratives surrounded the Communist Party congress, plot twists came in the form of a daring protest and a former leader being removed from the room—as the hopes of pandemic restrictions loosening were dashed. Also, the latest on tensions surrounding Taiwan, and a diplomat explains why he pulled some hair.

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Power of the “Bridge Man”

BBC News (World) @BBCWorld

China congress: How one man on a bridge marred Xi Jinping's big moment

bbc.inChina congress: How one man on a bridge marred Xi Jinping’s big momentThe striking protest tapped into a vein of discontent, leaving an enduring legacy in Chinese dissent.

As the Communist Party congress was getting underway, an unknown protester caused a social media stir for his solitary demonstration against the policies of Xi Jinping. “Bridge Man,” who wore an orange worksuit and a yellow hardhat, inspired similar protests elsewhere as Xi secured a third term with no plans to retire.

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Hu suspiciously removed

NEXTA @nexta_tv

At the Congress of the Communist Party of #China there was an unpleasant incident: The former leader of China, 79-year-old #HuJintao was escorted out of the hall by men in civilian clothes. The cause of the scandal could be political differences between Hu Jintao and Xi Jinping.

Any unpredictable scene at the choreographed closing ceremony of the Communist Party congress would’ve raised suspicion, let alone when it involved Xi’s predecessor being unexpectedly led out of the room. State media reported that Hu Jintao was “not feeling well,” but the footage led to worldwide wondering whether the ex-leader’s purge was political.

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The authoritarian pandemic

The Associated Press @AP

China is doubling down on its at times draconian “zero-COVID” policies, even as the population may have wished for a hint at the Communist Party's congress that the rules would be eased.

apnews.comAs leaders meet, Chinese hope for end to ‘zero-COVID’ limitsBEIJING (AP) — As China’s ruling Communist Party holds a congress this week, many Beijing residents are focused on an issue not on the formal agenda: Will the end of the meeting bring an easing of China’s at times draconian “zero-COVID” policies that are disrupting lives and the economy ?

Masks seem to have been reinforced as a fact of life in China based on how draconian zero-COVID policies were considered at the Communist Party congress, alongside state media touting the approach as “scientific and effective.” Punishing lockdowns continue to roll through the country, spurring a downturn that now benefits other nations economically.

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War in the air everywhere

Nikkei Asia @NikkeiAsia

UPDATE | "What I would say broadly is that the U.S. is looking at all options on the table to ensure that the rapid transfer of defense capabilities to Taiwan can take place as swiftly as possible," U.S. State Department principal deputy spokesperson says.

s.nikkei.comU.S. in talks with Taiwan to coproduce American weapons: sourcesNew cooperation would expedite delivery to island as China steps up military pressure

Plans to increase production capacity for U.S.-designed arms have been drawn up with the intention of deterrence against China, bolstered by the fact that Taiwan would be supplying the facilities. Time is considered of the essence as an invasion widow tapers toward 2027. Chinese state media has been spinning the reports with standard skepticism.

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The hair-pulling apparent

CNN International @cnni

A Chinese diplomat who was filmed pulling the hair of a Hong Kong pro-democracy protester on the grounds of his consulate in Manchester, England, has defended his actions -- saying it was his "duty" to maintain China's dignity.

cnn.itChinese diplomat says pulling hair of Hong Kong protester was his ‘duty’ | CNNA Chinese diplomat who was filmed pulling the hair of a Hong Kong pro-democracy protester on the grounds of his consulate in Manchester, England, has defended his actions -- saying it was his “duty” to maintain China’s dignity.

“I didn’t beat anybody. I didn’t let my people beat anybody. The fact is, the so-called protesters beat my people,”said Zheng Xiyuan after video footage emerged of him pulling the hair of a protester. China’s diplomat in Manchester, England, was defending his behaviour at a clearly peaceful demonstration rallying for democracy in Hong Kong.