In the heart of Shenzhen's industrial district, a powerful scene unfolded, revealing a growing trend that China would rather keep hidden. Hundreds of factory workers, united in their blue uniforms, took to the streets in protest, a sight that immediately raises eyebrows in a country where dissent is often swiftly silenced.
The workers at Yi Li Sheng's factory, manufacturers of audio equipment, were on their fourth day of striking. They claim that the company has shifted a significant portion of its production abroad, resulting in reduced hours and wages that fail to cover the high cost of living in Shenzhen. One worker, her eyes welling up with tears, shared her struggle, "Last month, my wages were only 1900RMB (£200). It's impossible to survive in Shenzhen on that!" She added, "The factory's exploitation is unbearable."
But capturing such moments is a rare feat in China. Local media rarely report on protests, and any evidence on social media is quickly scrubbed by an army of censors. Expressing dissent is not just sensitive; it's a sign of desperation.
However, when our team approached the protesters, they reacted with enthusiasm upon realizing we were foreign media. But this joy was short-lived as authorities swiftly intervened, blocking our cameras, seizing our equipment, and forcing us into cars. Though unharmed physically, the experience was terrifying, underscoring China's determination to keep its dissent hidden.
But here's the twist: just because these protests are hard to document doesn't mean they're uncommon. In fact, the China Dissent Monitor (CDM), a research group funded by private investors, has recorded over 5,000 cases in 2025, with a dramatic overall increase in incidents. Their analysis for Sky News reveals a 48% surge in the first 11 months of last year compared to the same period in 2024.
CDM, which constantly scours Chinese social media, believes there are many more cases they don't capture. Kevin Slaten, CDM's research lead, explains, "Real-world protests are much higher than what we record." The reasons for these protests are diverse, ranging from unpaid wages and land disputes to perceived injustices in education and property investments.
Interestingly, 85% of the incidents CDM has tracked since June 2022 are rooted in economic grievances. Preserving evidence of these protests and ensuring their visibility is a challenging task, undertaken by dedicated individuals like Li, who operates a social media account to repost protest videos on Western platforms beyond the reach of Chinese censors. With 2.1 million followers, Li's work is both influential and risky, forcing him into hiding and even leading to threats against his family in China.
Li attributes the rise in protests to interconnected factors: "The economic downturn has caused social instability, prompting the government to tighten control, which in turn fuels more discontent." He adds, "Self-expression is rebellious in traditional Chinese culture, and openly showing dissatisfaction is hidden under a 'red terror'. Most people are afraid to speak about their situation or thoughts."
Understanding whom or what Chinese citizens blame for their unhappiness is complex. Overtly political protests are uncommon, though notable exceptions exist, such as the 'White Paper Protests' in 2022 against extreme COVID-19 restrictions. A few lone protesters have even called for the downfall of the Communist Party.
In a nation prioritizing 'social stability', any gathering is viewed as a potential threat. Slaten notes that 32% of the protests CDM has recorded target the government or educational institutions. While people may be cautious in publicly criticizing the central government, it doesn't equate to trust. This was evident in Jiangyou this summer, where a peaceful protest over a school bullying incident escalated into anger against the authorities, leading to violent clashes with police.
Some experts suggest that the closure of NGOs and advocacy groups, which once provided outlets for grievances, has left people feeling they have fewer avenues for redress. Yet, millions of Chinese citizens are content and see no need to protest. The Chinese government maintains that dissidents are not representative of mainstream society and that protest is legal and respected.
But the question remains: is China's preference for keeping its dissent hidden justified, especially as these voices grow louder?
