Chinese city accused of ‘performative lockdown lifting’

Residents accused Zhengzhou authorities of trying to reduce scrutiny of Covid lockdown's severity

Authorities in Zhengzhou have been accused of performative lockdown lifting" by some residents after they partially lifted restrictions amid growing pressure from residents and the reported arrival of state media.

An almost month-long lockdown in the Chinese city of about 12 million people had prompted complaints of arduous conditions, sometimes violent enforcement, inadequate medical care, and worsening mental health. But a sudden decision to ease restrictions on Tuesday was greeted with some scepticism and anger.