A large number of ordinary people in Beijing joined the “White Paper Revolution”

Police cars, patrols and a network of surveillance cameras, coupled with biting winds, appeared to temporarily halt a new wave of protests in Beijing yesterday as the “white paper” movement against strict quarantine measures broke out in many parts of China, but there was widespread support for the movement for an easing of restrictions.

In a rare demonstration, hundreds of people, mostly in their 20s and 30s, gathered in the leafy neighborhood of the Liangma River in Beijing on Saturday evening. Many held white paper as a symbol of protest against censorship and shouted slogans against strict quarantine restrictions.

For nearly three years, China has implemented strict quarantine measures to prevent people from moving freely in order to stop the COVID-19 outbreak.

There were no such rallies last night, but many passers-by dared to show their support for the protests that have rocked the country in recent days, an AFP reporter saw.

“I was following the news on social media and wanted to come and see for myself,” a 40-year-old man, who declined to give his name, told AFP in a low voice. “Finally, there is a wave of movement against this health policy.”

Housing prices are so high that they can hardly afford it and they don’t know if they will get a job. This health policy is like stopping China’s development. Isn’t the whole world making fun of us?”

About every five minutes, an array of police officers patrolled both sides of the Liangma River, with additional officers stationed on adjacent streets. There were 20 police cars and vans parked nearby, some equipped with video cameras. Under these conditions, it is almost impossible to gather.

Despite the cold and windy weather, a 30-year-old woman was still walking by the river. She said she was moved by the actions of local youths on Sunday. “They are standing up for their rights, and I support them.”

She added: “I think they were inspired by what happened in October.”

“My passport expired two years ago and the government won’t let me renew it because of quarantine restrictions. We can’t even go abroad,” she said.

The Chinese government has suspended the issuance of new passports except in rare cases, such as to visit family, continue studies or work abroad.