On Sunday, protests spread across Shanghai and Beijing against China's strict 'zero COVID' policies. It's been almost three years since China has followed some of the strictest COVID restrictions in the world.

After a deadly fire in northwestern Urumqi, people have been protesting across China, which is a rare occurrence in the country. 

According to reports, people on social media voiced their concern about the fire and said it was caused by extreme lockdown measures that delayed rescue efforts.

On Sunday, local residents started protesting near the apartment where at least 10 people died. Protesters chanted, "Xi Jinping step down, CCP step down," referring to the Chinese president and the ruling communist party.

According to various social media posts, the protests have spread across seven other cities and dozens of university campuses.

"We want our basic human rights. We can't leave our homes without getting a test. It was the accident in Xinjiang that pushed people too far," Reuters quoted a 26-year-old protester saying.

Also Read: China Under Xi Jinping's COVID Zero Policy Similar To Kim Jong Un's North Korea, Says Expert: 'Felt More Like Pyongyang'

"The people here aren't violent, but the police arrest them for no reason. They tried to grab me, but the people around me grabbed my arms so hard and pulled me back, so I could escape," the unnamed protester added. 

Another video. The protest ended at 3-4am local time. Witness said at least five young ppl were taken into police cars. By far no update on whereabouts of them from Shanghai. All such videos were first published on Weibo and Wechat video accounts but were taken down right away. pic.twitter.com/YqyThLsKd5

— Vivian Wu (@vivianwubeijing) November 27, 2022

Another protester said, "We do not want PCR tests but want freedom."

Last week, China reported a record number of daily COVID-19 infections. According to official data, the country reported 31,444 new local cases, surpassing the previous peak record of 29,317 on April 13. 

Lockdowns, mass testing, and restrictions have been imposed in cities including Beijing, Guangzhou, and Tianjin. 

Earlier, protests erupted at an Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPhone assembly factory in Zhengzhou, China over strict COVID rules and wage issues.  

China's leadership has maintained its zero-COVID policy, and with the rise in COVID cases and increasing restrictions, the country is heading toward economic uncertainty. 

According to a Chinese state media report, the cabinet has announced that it would lower bank cash reserve requirements and other monetary policy tools to ensure enough liquidity.

Economists predict the country could see further economic disruption if the lockdowns continue, affecting major ports and airports. 

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