UC Riverside's Perry Link on China's Covid Protests

The transcript discusses the Tiananmen papers and the nature of protests in China, comparing current events to those in 1989. It highlights the role of Xi Jinping and his zero-tolerance COVID-19 policy, which has led to widespread frustration. The discussion also covers the broken social contract in China and the potential for external conflicts as a distraction from domestic issues.

What was the nature of the 1989 events in China according to the transcript?

• They were idealistic.

• They were religiously inspired.

• They were politically motivated.

• They were economically driven.

How are the current protests in China different from previous ones?

• They are more violent.

• They are more organized and systematic.

• They are less frequent.

• They are supported by the government.

What is a significant aspect of the current protests in China?

• They are directed at local authorities.

• They are directed at Xi Jinping.

• They are focused on economic issues.

• They are primarily rural.

What policy of Xi Jinping is criticized in the protests?

• Education policy

• Economic reform policy

• Zero tolerance COVID policy

• Foreign policy

What issue has contributed to the broken social contract in China?

• High vaccination rates

• Ineffective Chinese vaccine

• Strong economic growth

• Improved healthcare capacity

What economic challenges is China facing according to the transcript?

• Rapid economic growth

• Increasing standard of living

• Stable property market

• Stalling economic growth

What potential action might China take in response to domestic unrest?

• Increase trade with the US

• Attack Taiwan

• Strengthen ties with Europe

• Focus on internal reforms