One Year On: Reflections on China's 'White Paper' Protests

Despite Government Crackdown, Protesters Continue to Face Repercussions and Challenge the Narrative of State Competence

China's 'White Paper' protests, a year ago, were a significant challenge to the Communist Party's authority, sparked by frustration with harsh 'zero COVID' policies and growing authoritarianism.
Despite the government's quick response to break up the protests and lift COVID-19 controls, participants continue to face harassment and questioning from authorities.
Many protesters, including Li Houchen, have gone into exile, documenting the events and continuing to speak out against the Chinese government.
The protests did not lead to lasting political change, with Xi Jinping strengthening his grip on power and the government declaring victory over the virus.
However, the protests, and the chaotic exit from virus controls that followed, shattered the illusion of state competence and China's unstoppable rise, according to Li Houchen.