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Xi Jinping Intensifies Surveillance with 15 Million Informants in Revived Mao-Era Campaign

May 25, 2024, 01:33 PM

Chinese President Xi Jinping is intensifying surveillance efforts across the country, reviving a Mao-era campaign known as the 'Fengqiao experience' to bolster control over citizens. This initiative, which gained momentum during the COVID-19 pandemic, involves tracking residents, schoolchildren, and businesses to preempt potential unrest. The surveillance system, which includes local police maintaining detailed records of residents' conformity with government directives, aims to embed the Communist Party deeply into daily life to prevent any form of dissent. The use of advanced technology, including AI, is expected to further enhance these surveillance capabilities. The system reportedly employs as many as 15 million informants and is part of a broader strategy termed 'stability maintenance'.