Chinese activists rallied in Trafalgar Square late last month to protest over Chinese government’s strict Covid policies and President Xi’s third term.
The activists hung banners that cited Peng Lifa’s protest slogans. The banners said: “No to PCR, Yes to livelihood. No to lockdown, Yes to freedom.”
Protestors hung banners in demonstration of China’s strict policy and leadership. | Photo by Pei Heng Ma
The protest group demanded easing the excessive COVID policies, Xi’s immediate resignation and demand a political reform and freedom of speech.
Kim*, one of the protesters said: “More and more youth in China were facing unemployment due to lockdown, and those in need of medical treatment were not getting it.” He added: “But the government still claimed they did it for people’s sake.”
Protestors carried signs with statements such as “Free China” or “Out! Dictator”. Flyers and variations of the anti-Xi flyers posted in universities worldwide were also handed to the crowd.
Home-made signs and masks worn in the protest | Photo by Pei Heng Ma
Many dressed up in costumes, not only as a tradition of Halloween, but also as a means to protect their identities, a major concern following Peng’s arrest in Beijing last month.
Some put on hazmat suits as a satire to the regular PCR testing carried out in every corner of China.
A female protestor donned a Winnie-the-Pooh costume, provoking the country’s decision to ban the character a few years ago.
Kim*, who was dressed in hazmat suit, said: “You see we are all disguised because there are still fears and considerations.” He added: “I have heard rumors that the embassy sent undercover cops to watch us.”
People showed up in costumes to hide their identities. | Photo by Pei Heng Ma
Signs comparing Xi with Hitler | Photo by Pei Heng Ma
The chant “No more CCP, no more Xi Jinping. I don’t want PCR, I want to eat.” won much applause from the crowd.
Protestors hung banners in demonstration of China’s strict policy and leadership. | Photo by Pei Heng Ma
Fu*, a student participant, said: “I have been hoping for Xi Jinping and the CCP to end their ruling since junior high school.” He added: “Today’s demonstration may not have a huge impact, but we hope to at least raise people’s awareness.”
【北京四通桥抗议鼓舞海外华人】
【伦敦华人罕见集会反暴政】两个星期前出现在北京四通桥上的抗议标语，鼓舞了无数海内外中国人。有伦敦华人周六（29日）下午在伦敦市中心特拉法加广场举行”声援四通桥义士”活动，以行动告诉世人─”一个人的勇敢不应该没有回声”。
记者：吕熙（伦敦） pic.twitter.com/SRM98S7A59
— 自由亚洲电台 (@RFA_Chinese) October 29, 2022
A tweet from RFA (Radio Free Asia) Chinese read: “The protest on Sitong Bridge, Beijing, inspired countless of Chinese overseas. Chinese people in London gathered this Saturday (October 29, 2022) in Trafalgar Square, London, to ‘support the Sitong Bridge martyr’ and to tell the world with actual action that ‘The bravery of a man should not be met with silence’.”
Protestors raised concerns over issues such as the tightened relationship with Taiwan and Hong Kong as well as Tibet’s human rights issues.
Wu*, another protester at Trafalgar, said: “The fact Xi keeps implying military actions against Taiwan makes me anxious.” He added: “It will be a horrifying thing for the people in Taiwan and not beneficial in the long run.”
People took turns to share opinions and stories. | Photo by Pei Heng Ma
*The names of the participants were changed to protect their identities.