Protesters rally against China's virus policy in Tokyo

Hundreds rallied in Tokyo on Wednesday to support the Chinese protest against the severe anti-virus restrictions in China. The protesters are also demanding Chinese president Xi Jinping's resignation

Dozens of protesters, mostly Chinese, held signs and chanted slogans such as, "no more lockdown, we want freedom!" and “Step down!”

Many who had gathered wore masks and sunglasses — not just because of Covid-19 but out of concern that they may be recognised by Chinese authorities and that their families back home could face repercussions.

Xi Jinping is facing a wave of public anger of the kind not seen for decades, sparked by his “zero COVID” strategy that will soon enter its fourth year.

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Demonstrators poured into the streets over the weekend in cities including Shanghai and Beijing, criticizing the policy, confronting police — and even calling for Xi to step down.

The widespread demonstrations are unprecedented since the army crushed the 1989 student-led pro-democracy movement centered on Beijing’s Tiananmen Square.