China’s social media cheerleaders also questioning Covid Zero

A file photo shows workers erecting fencing around a neighbourhood in lockdown in Shanghai's Changning district, after new Covid-19 cases were reported. China announced the relaxation of some of its hardline Covid-19 restrictions on Nov 11, 2022, after authorities had vowed to stick to a zero-tolerance virus approach despite mounting economic damage. — AFP

Key pro-China commentators have started raising questions about the country’s Covid Zero policies on social media, another sign officials in the world’s No. 2 economy may be prepping the public for further changes to President Xi Jinping’s signature policy.

The critiques come from people such as Zhou Xiaoping, once praised by Xi for spreading “positive energy”, and Lu Kewen, who is reported to have millions of followers across several social media platforms in China.