Recent reports and analyses of the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) control mechanisms indicate that while protests in China are not currently erupting on a large scale, there are isolated incidents of dissent that reflect underlying tensions. For example, the April 2025 incident in Chengdu, where 27-year-old Mei Shilin hung pro-democracy banners on an overpass, called for political reform and an end to unchecked CCP power. Although this act garnered online attention, it did not lead to widespread street protests, as the CCP swiftly detained Mei and suppressed related social media posts. Economic grievances are also evident in strikes at BYD factories over wage cuts and unfulfilled promises, as well as protests against stalled real estate projects. These protests, while indicative of dissatisfaction, are localized and lack political cohesion.

The CCP employs a sophisticated system of surveillance and repression to prevent the escalation of dissent. This includes the use of facial recognition technology, online monitoring, rapid suppression of protests, and severe legal penalties for activists. Despite these robust control measures, factors such as economic crises, high unemployment rates, and grassroots anger could challenge the CCP’s ability to contain dissent. Incidents like the Chengdu banner display suggest that individuals are willing to risk severe consequences to express their frustration with the system. However, the lack of coordination among protests, the effectiveness of repression, and the fear of consequences limit the likelihood of widespread unrest.