China promises tough action against “enemy forces” after demonstrations.
China’s ruling Communist Party has vowed to “tackle infiltration and sabotage activities by hostile forces” after the country’s largest street demonstrations in decades.
The statement comes amid a massive show of force by the security services to deter any further outcry against coronavirus restrictions.
While not directly addressing the protests, the statement is a reminder of the party’s determination to assert its rule under President Xi Jinping.
Hundreds of SUVs, vans and armored vehicles were parked along city streets yesterday while police and paramilitary forces conducted random ID checks.
They also searched people’s phones for photos, banned apps or other possible evidence that they had taken part in the demonstrations in several cities including Beijing, Guangzhou and Shanghai over the weekend.
The protests were sparked by anger over the deaths of at least ten people in a fire in far western China, raising questions about whether anti-Covid checks have blocked firefighters or victims trying to flee.
Ex-President dies of leukemia
Former Chinese President Jiang Zemin, who came to power after the Tiananmen Square protests, has died at the age of 96, state television reported.
A surprise decision to lead a split Communist Party after the 1989 crackdown ushered Mr Jiang’s 13-year rule through changes in China, including a revival of pro-market reforms, Hong Kong’s return from British rule in 1997 and Beijing’s entry into the World Trade Organization.
His government has also jailed human rights, labor and democracy activists; maintained an uncompromising stance on Taiwan and banned the Falun Gong spiritual movement.
He died of leukemia and organ failure, the Chinese Communist Party said.
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https://metro.co.uk/2022/12/01/china-pledges-crackdown-on-hostile-forces-after-demonstrations-17856266/ China promises tough action against "enemy forces" after demonstrations.