China moves to curb rare, nationwide protests

23 Sept 04:09 Key points summarised by AI

China experienced rare nationwide protests across major cities and university campuses, sparked by public anger over strict COVID-19 lockdowns and a deadly fire in Urumqi.
Demonstrators demanded political freedoms and an end to 'zero-Covid' policies, with some even calling for President Xi Jinping's resignation, marking the most significant unrest since 1989.
Chinese security forces heavily deployed in cities like Beijing and Shanghai, making arrests and intensifying online censorship to suppress further rallies.
International reactions included the White House supporting the right to peaceful protest and the UK condemning the reported beating of a BBC journalist, signaling a shift in its China policy.

Macron condemns those who 'sought to bring down the Republic' after rioting mars nationwide protests

Today 12:56 Key points summarised by AI

President Macron condemned widespread rioting and looting during nationwide protests, blaming far-left activists and criminals for the "unrestrained violence" and vowing accountability for those who "sought to bring down the Republic."
Over 2,400 arrests were made as protests against rising living costs and poor school conditions escalated, causing extensive damage to public buildings and businesses in cities like Paris, Limoges (where City Hall burned), Marseille, and Lyon.
The unrest, which organizers hoped would revive the "yellow vest" movement, saw political leaders trade blame, with Macron instructing prefects to protect public buildings and potentially ban future protests to prevent further disorder.