What should Xi do next?

Synopsis

Protests in China's major cities erupt as citizens express frustration with the country's zero COVID policy after enduring years of lockdown. Some voices call for Xi Jinping to step down, highlighting the widespread anger. The state's security apparatus remains in control, but Xi faces a critical dilemma: ease restrictions and risk over half a million deaths from COVID-19 or maintain lockdowns, further straining the economy and risking social order. Xi Jinping's security machine can crush dissent, but the real challenge lies in addressing the deep-seated anger among the populace. The zero COVID strategy aims to quarantine every positive case, but with a virus still rampant, lifting restrictions too quickly could lead to a catastrophic wave of infections and deaths. Scenarios predict that up to a million people could die if the situation is mishandled. Despite a successful vaccination campaign in the past, vaccination rates have plummeted this year, particularly among the elderly, leaving a significant public health issue unaddressed.