Lowy Institute's McGregor on China's Covid Protests

The transcript discusses recent protests in China, focusing on their networked nature and the challenges faced by the government. It highlights the issues with China's COVID-19 zero policy, including low vaccination rates and healthcare system fragility. The discussion also covers the difficulties in policy shifts within an authoritarian regime and the social and cultural factors affecting public health measures. The potential tightening of political control and the future of China's political landscape are also explored.

What factors contribute to the low vaccination rates in China compared to other countries?

How might the Communist Party's response to protests change in the future?

What implications does the current situation have for Xi Jinping's leadership style?