**China’s zero-COVID policy protests spread to major cities**
BEIJING, Oct 20 (Reuters) – Protests over China’s strict zero-COVID policy spread to major cities on Thursday, as hundreds of people gathered in Shanghai and Beijing to denounce lockdowns and restrictions that have disrupted their lives and livelihoods.
The protests are a rare show of public dissent in China, where the ruling Communist Party maintains a tight grip on power and cracks down on any sign of opposition.
The demonstrations began in the western city of Urumqi on Tuesday, following a deadly fire in a residential building that killed 10 people. Residents of the building said they were unable to escape because the building was locked down due to COVID-19 restrictions.
The fire and subsequent protests have sparked anger and frustration across the country, with many people taking to social media to express their support for the protesters and call for an end to the zero-COVID policy.
On Thursday, hundreds of people gathered in Shanghai’s Wulumuqi Road, which is named after the city of Urumqi. The protesters held up blank sheets of paper, a symbol of resistance against censorship in China. They also chanted slogans such as .
