China: Local authorities briefly detain foreign journalist in Shanghai Nov. 27

Event

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) announced that local authorities briefly arrested one of its journalists in Shanghai Nov. 27 while covering a COVID-19 protest in Shanghai. Reports indicate that security personnel allegedly assaulted and detained the UK journalist for several hours before releasing him; the reason for the arrest is not immediately clear.

Context

Chinese authorities continue to respond to new COVID-19 outbreaks in the country with strict measures, such as mass testing and lockdowns, as part of its zero-COVID-19 strategy. Protests denouncing the restrictions occurred in several Chinese cities, including Beijing, Guangzhou, Lanzhou, Nanjing, Shanghai, Wuhan, and Xi'an, Nov. 25-27. The BBC journalist's arrest highlights the need to avoid any COVID-19-related civil unrest in China due to the threat of detention and security response.