China has imposed a strict lockdown to curb the Wuhan pneumonia epidemic, and the prevention and control measures have sparked public dissatisfaction.

(Reuters)

[Central News Agency] China's strict lockdown to contain the Wuhan pneumonia (new coronavirus disease, COVID-19) epidemic has paid a heavy price for economic development and people's freedom. The prevention and control measures have ignited public dissatisfaction, and residents of some major cities took to the streets over the weekend , Clashes broke out with the police.

Protesters were led away by police on a bus in the commercial center of Shanghai, the first scene of the kind Xi Jinping has seen in his 10 years in power, as protesters demanded the resignation of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

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Here are some thoughts on the turmoil in China compiled by Reuters:

●Gary Ng, economist at Natixis SA in Hong Kong:


"Markets hate uncertainties that are difficult to assess, and the protests in China are clearly one of those. This means investors will turn to good luck and avoid bad luck.


" Asia and China-related markets, such as Australia, Hong Kong, Taiwan and South Korea, are likely to see a greater impact."

●Summer Kay, a 24-year-old Internet industry practitioner in Beijing:


"The epidemic and the health code for epidemic prevention have given us too much torture. Now more people are unemployed, and children and the elderly are suffering to get medical care. If we just Keep quiet, I think it's only going to get worse. Maybe tomorrow the police will come with the records, maybe some of us will be arrested and disappear on strange charges."

●Martin Petch, vice president of Moody's Investors Service Inc.:


"We expect this protest to subside fairly quickly and not lead to serious political violence."


However, if (the protest) continues and It may lead to a stronger response from the authorities, which may have a negative impact on credit ratings.

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●Kay Huang, a 28-year-old employee in the entertainment industry in Beijing (transliteration):


"I am really moved, especially when I hear them singing and shouting for rights and freedom, and not giving up, it is so powerful, (Wen ) warms people's hearts. As the capital, I hope Beijing returns to normal. I hope that the people will return to safety, freedom and happiness, and not have so many negative thoughts. I hope that I can feel hope, not insensitive day after day." Huang Kai last night He told Reuters while attending a candlelight vigil in Beijing.

Rob Subbaraman, Chief Economist at Nomura Securities Asia (excluding Japan):


"In the process of co-existing with COVID, if it is too slow, there will be a tail risk (tail risk). Unrest will further weaken the economy, which is a concern for the market."


"The situation is changeable. The protests may also trigger a positive outcome, prompting the government to formulate a clear plan, learn to live with COVID, set a transparent timetable, and accelerate China's economic growth. actions towards co-existence with COVID.”

●Irving, Asian foreign exchange strategist at RBC Capital Markets in Singapore.

Alvin Tan:


"Protests of this magnitude are bound to trigger a response from Beijing. These developments have put pressure on the yuan and China-related assets such as the Australian dollar this morning as markets begin to assess political risks,"


he noted .

: "As winter approaches, short-term COVID risks continue to increase, in addition to more political unrest risks. There may be more tightening of restrictions in the next few weeks with related economic shocks, rather than a sudden loosening."

●Hui Shan, China Economist at Goldman Sachs:


"The central government may have to choose between expanding the lockdown measures and the rise of the COVID epidemic in the near future. Gross production (GDP) estimates pose a further downside risk. We subjectively estimate the chance of reopening before the second quarter of next year at 30%.”

● Ken Cheung, Asia foreign exchange strategist at Mizuho Bank in Hong Kong:


"China's economy is on the road to reopening, but the road may be bumpy."


"Overall, China's fourth-quarter growth outlook remains It will be bleak, given the surge in the COVID epidemic and the related mobility crunch. Furthermore, the outbreak of social unrest reflects the fatigue of epidemic prevention under the long-term lockdown, all of which may depress consumption.”

●Joe Capurso, head of international economics at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia:


"Even if China eventually withdraws from the zero-zero policy, the low vaccination rates among the elderly mean that the exit process may be slow and disorderly .The accompanying economic impact may not be small.”

●Taiwan’s Premier Su Tseng-chang:


When asked if he was concerned that China might attack Taiwan to divert people’s attention from the protests, Su Tseng-chang said: “China is an authoritarian and totalitarian country, and it is next to us. Therefore, any changes in China , any movement, we will keep an eye on it and respond immediately.”