China: No Letup in Xi Jinping’s Repressive Rule, Amid Economic Showdown, Mourning for Ex-Premier Shows Discontent - Beehaw

Cross-posted from: beehaw.org/post/11086495

The Chinese government’s repression and social controls intensified in 2023, over a decade into President Xi Jinping’s rule, Human Rights Watch said today in its World Report 2024. However, to attract foreign investment as the economy slowed, the government appeared to have toned down some of its aggressive rhetoric towards Western countries. More people in China begin to publicly question the country’s direction under Xi’s leadership, at great personal risk.

“President Xi Jinping’s repressive decade-plus in power and growing social control are taking an increasing toll on China’s economy and society,” said Maya Wang, acting China director at Human Rights Watch. “The government’s failure to seriously address human rights abuses generates uncertainty for the future throughout society, from youth to business executives.”