EMERGENCY POD: How will the CCP respond to the protests?

Ling Li, a lecturer at the University of Vienna, dives into the origins of China’s strict Covid Zero policies and their evolution. The discussion highlights how recent protests, sparked by tragic incidents, reveal a deep desire for democratic freedoms among the populace. Li explores various potential responses from the CCP, the complexities of lifting restrictions, and the surprising role of youth in organizing dissent through social media. The conversation uncovers the challenges the government faces in maintaining control amid rising public discontent.