Part 9/10:
Even the unusual 2022 protests against strict COVID lockdown measures reveal the limits of digital dissent. Extended discussions on COVID overwhelmed censorship mechanisms, but within days, the government regained control, showcasing how adeptly the party quells potential contention.
Conclusion: The Digital Divide
As the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that the notion that the internet inherently promotes democracy has been discredited within the Chinese context. The Great Firewall has not only shielded the CCP from external threats but has ensured that internal dissent remains fragmented and ineffective.