China’s easing of Covid curbs does not solve Xi Jinping’s dilemma

A woman wearing a face mask rides a bicycle in Beijing under a large television screen showing President Xi Jinping. Photograph: Mark Schiefelbein/AP

At the end of October, Xi Jinping had secured his position as China’s most powerful leader in decades, his grip on the country cemented by a norm-breaking third term in office.

At the end of November, he faced the most widespread protests China had seen in decades, mostly focused on Covid restrictions but also featuring unprecedented calls for Xi to step down.