On April 11, Shanghai Party Secretary Li Qiang visited a residential community for an inspection. In videos circulating online, filmed by local residents, many people were seen directly questioning the rationale behind Li Qiang’s lockdown and epidemic control measures.
In one video, an elderly woman in a wheelchair angrily pushed aside a barricade placed between her and Li Qiang.
In another video taken from a different angle, several residents could be heard shouting from behind the barricade, demanding answers: “How will you solve people’s livelihood problems? … Why can’t we ask a couple of questions?”
Li Qiang's security entourage repeatedly stepped between him and the residents, seemingly to ensure his safety. However, most of the residents being held back were elderly, many over the age of fifty.
Despite the confrontation, official media reports described the scene as “city leaders stepping forward to warmly greet the public.”
State media outlet The Paper wrote of the residents' discontent: “Li Qiang had in-depth conversations with community residents in the prevention zone, attentively listening to their difficulties and suggestions.”
Later, more videos offering different perspectives of the incident emerged. Some residents documented that on the very night of Li Qiang’s visit, a large amount of supplies was suddenly delivered to their community. The person filming could be heard saying wryly: “As soon as the leader arrives, the supplies follow.”
The internet