Police deny there was a rare showing of political protest banners against Xi Jinping in Beijing
ABCBeijing authorities have removed rare banners of political protest from an overpass in the Chinese capital, just days before the start of a twice-in-a-decade Communist Party congress. Key points: It is highly unusual for Mr Xi to be specifically named in protests in China The banners were removed and people and police in the area near the bridge denied any protest had happened Social media mentioning the banners was censored, as was a song that is named for the bridge The banners bore several slogans, including a call for President Xi Jinping's ouster and an end to strict COVID-19 policies, according to numerous images and videos circulated on Twitter, which is blocked in China. "There was a brave person in Beijing today," one Chinese social media user wrote, adding several thumbs up and roses of support. Beijing has set up dozens of overseas police stations and "contact points" which it says are to help hold Chinese citizens living abroad accountable for crimes.