In several Chinese cities, people ignored a ban on fireworks on New Year’s Eve, sparking clashes between police and citizens.
Some Chinese citizens no longer take Chinese Communist Party (CCP) orders seriously. Some have called their actions the “firework revolution”, as civil disobedience is rare under the Chinese Communist Party’s dictatorship.
A video circulating on social media showed a clash with law enforcement on the night of January 2 in Luyi County, Zhoukou City, Henan Province.
A video taken while police were arresting the offenders showed a large crowd surrounding a police vehicle demanding the release of those arrested. They pushed and pushed the police. Unfortunately, some young people started smashing police cars and windshields. In the end, the crowd overturned the police car.
In another video, special police then headed to the scene. They arrested and left at least two people behind.
Chinese media outlet Modern Express said the crowd had “deliberately damaged” the police car and described the confrontation as “a destructive incident caused by fireworks.”
Eight people were reportedly under investigation for “suspicion of having a fight and causing trouble,” six of whom were arrested.
In addition to Luyi County, Chongqing and several cities in Henan, Shandong, Hebei, Jiangsu and Guangxi have also erupted in “fireworks revolutions.”
People completely ignored the official ban and gathered in the streets to celebrate the arrival of 2023 with fireworks.
no fireworks
Originating in China, fireworks are an Asian tradition to celebrate the New Year. The Chinese believe that fireworks ward off evil spirits and misfortunes, and welcome a happy new year.
However, the Chinese Communist Party has completely banned fireworks and firecrackers since 2013 for environmental protection and safety reasons.
Last year, many local governments again specifically tightened their bans on lighting fireworks and firecrackers.
For example, Beijing has banned fireworks and firecrackers city-wide after January 1, 2022. Prohibited in all areas under Beijing jurisdiction, except those with city government approval.
Shanghai prohibits such conduct within the Outer Ring Expressway.
Meanwhile, the Dalian Municipal Government has strict controls to allow fireworks in certain areas within stipulated time frames.
Hefei, the provincial capital of Anhui province, has banned fireworks throughout its jurisdiction under any circumstances.
Such blanket bans have been implemented in many other cities, according to Chinese state media.
There have been few reports of large numbers of people violating the fireworks ban in the last decade.
The disobedience and defiance displayed this year are therefore extraordinary, especially in the context of the “white paper” revolution that had swept China not so long ago. COVID” strategy.
Jessica Mao is a writer for The Epoch Times, covering China-related topics. She started writing her Chinese version in 2009.
