BEIJING — Chinese authorities eased some anti-virus rules but affirmed their severe “zero Covid” strategy Monday after protesters demanded President Xi Jinping resign in the biggest show of opposition to the ruling Communist Party in decades.
The government made no comment on the protests or the criticism of Xi, but the decision to ease at least some of the restrictions appeared to be aimed at quelling anger. Still, analysts don’t expect the government to back down on its Covid strategy and note authorities are adept at stifling dissent.