In the early hours of February 1st, Tencent’s QQ Small World in mainland China experienced a significant censorship failure, revealing the vulnerabilities in the Chinese Communist Party’s control over information. Users reported an unexpected surge of images depicting Tank Man, the Tiananmen Square student movement, and injured demonstrators from the June 4th crackdown. These images were accompanied by satirical remarks targeting Chinese President Xi Jinping, creating an online uproar. Additionally, footage from October 2022 showing former Chinese President Hu Jintao being forcibly removed from the closing session of the 20th National Congress also surfaced.
Despite the CCP’s swift removal of these contents, the incident ignited fervent discussions among netizens, underscoring the growing discontent and highlighting the oppressive nature of the CCP’s control over information. The breach serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of the CCP’s hold on power and the mounting tensions within the country. Many individuals expressed their frustration and anger online, with comments like “This proves that anti-communist forces are pushing for a revolution” and “The anger and dissatisfaction toward Xi Jinping have reached their peak.”
This censorship failure has not only exposed the cracks in the CCP’s information regime but also amplified the voices of dissent among the populace. The incident reflects the broader discontent simmering beneath the surface, as citizens grapple with the CCP’s repressive policies and seek avenues to express their grievances. The CCP’s attempts to stifle dissent are proving increasingly futile in the face of a growing tide of public dissatisfaction, raising questions about the sustainability of its authoritarian rule.
On the same evening, a car bomb attack occurred in the Longhua District of Shenzhen, Guangdong Province. The exact number of casualties remains unknown. An internet celebrity and lawyer revealed that the local CCP Emergency Management Bureau attempted to cover up the incident by falsely reporting it as an oxygen cylinder explosion in a seafood transport truck. However, some people expressed doubts, questioning, “Would an oxygen cylinder create such a massive explosion?” Meanwhile, other netizens commented, “People can’t survive anymore; losing hope is only a matter of time. In reality, everyone is a ticking time bomb; it’s just a matter of who steps on it first.” The incident has sparked widespread discussions online, highlighting the growing dissatisfaction and unrest among the populace.
Additionally, on January 31st, the third day of the Chinese New Year, a knife attack occurred in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, reportedly leaving at least four dead and eight injured. Ambulances from neighbouring Anhui Province were even dispatched for assistance. Observers believe that the CCP’s oppressive policies have driven people to their breaking point.
Just before the Chinese New Year, an irate caller from mainland China contacted the duty office of the Jiangxi Provincial Government. He voiced his outrage over the authorities’ negligence, specifically taking aim at the mishandling of Li Yisu’s case in Nanchang. Li Yisu, a dedicated rights advocate, had been forcibly institutionalized yet again after accusing local officials of sexual harassment and bringing to light the misuse of psychiatric hospitals as “black jails.” The caller’s frustration boiled over as he threatened to rally people across the nation to overthrow the provincial government, bomb its gates, and ignite a second Nanchang Uprising. This case has drawn significant attention and outrage from both local and international communities, emphasizing the ongoing battle against the CCP’s oppressive practices.
Meanwhile, Chinese netizens have recently been sharing videos online highlighting ten abnormal phenomena observed during the 2025 Lunar New Year; fewer people sent New Year greetings via SMS or WeChat. The government’s ban on fireworks and firecrackers was widely ignored. Group WeChat red envelopes were noticeably absent. Alipay’s traditional Five Blessings campaign was missing.
Red envelope giveaways on Douyin, Kuaishou, and other platforms had almost no participation. Fewer families opted for hotel banquets for New Year’s Eve dinner. Roads leading back to hometowns saw significantly reduced traffic congestion. Many people resumed work as early as the second day of the New Year. Families drastically cut back on purchasing fruits and snacks for the holiday.In-person New Year visits were avoided whenever possible.
Even in Guangzhou, a first-tier city, the streets were eerily quiet with a bleak and desolate atmosphere. Netizens remarked that the fundamental reason is that ordinary people have no money in their pockets. Political analysts argue that the CCP’s rotting rule is the root cause. Exiled Chinese political commentator Xing Tining weighed in on the situation, analyzing the deeper implications. He stated, “Behind every large-scale violent incident lies the fundamental cause of the CCP’s decaying rule and deep-seated social injustice. These conditions have led to widespread wrongful convictions, unchecked public grievances, psychological distress, and despair, fuelling an increase in violent revenge attacks against society.”
Some analysts believe that a nationwide uprising is inevitable. They caution, “This spark has already ignited in every corner of the country. The moment a suitable opportunity arises; it will erupt into an unstoppable wildfire. When that moment comes, it will mark the downfall of the CCP regime.”
europeantimes