One-Man Protest in Beijing

Smoke could be seen with protest banners on Sitong Bridge

Days before the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, and a brazen protest was held on a bridge on the fourth ring road near Haidian in northwest Beijing.

Around 1pm on Thursday a white banner with red Chinese characters had the words:

The protester and his banners were taken down

"Depose the Traitorous Dictator Xi Jinping"

"We don't want nucleic acid tests, we want food"

"We want freedom, not lockdowns"

"We want votes, not leaders"

"We want dignity, not lies"

"We are citizens, not slaves"

There was something burning on the bridge with black smoke, apparently a bid to attract attention.

Soon after the banners were unfurled, the police arrived and someone -- a man? -- was put into a vehicle and taken away.

That person had the guts to say what a lot of people have been thinking since the pandemic, if not longer. He also does not want Xi to continue his rule for a third term -- or even longer.

Banner calls for "dictator" Xi to be deposed

Now on social media people are asking "Is Sitong man safe?" with a reference to the intersection where the incident happened. 

What will happen to this person is anyone's guess, and managing to pull off this stunt in Beijing just before a big political event is impressive to say the least. But the punishment may be tough. He knew the consequences but did it anyway, to great effect.

Did Xi get the message?

We will find out in a few days' time.