Protests across China come to a halt

Synopsis

In Shanghai, a former protest hotspot is now heavily monitored by police, indicating a crackdown on dissent. The atmosphere feels different, with authorities maintaining a facade of normalcy while silencing any signs of protest. The area, once filled with quiet dissenters, now shows signs of suppression. In Greektown, frustration over strict COVID-19 restrictions leads to public outcry, as the ongoing zero COVID policy continues to dominate lives. A local expresses anger towards Xi Jinping, suggesting widespread discontent even among the police. Despite the heavy presence of law enforcement, there are hints that some loosening of restrictions may be on the horizon, though it is unlikely to come swiftly or quell the underlying anger. Helena Smith reports from Shanghai, capturing the tension and the desire for change amidst the ongoing challenges.