CHINA — Stringent Covid restrictions in China not only cost the country precious time in its recovery in its economy but also stroking public frustration as more and more tormented and fatigued citizens suffer under prolonged lockdown and travel restrictions imposed by Chinese authorities. On 24 November, a deadly apartment fire broke out in China’s northwest Xinjiang region, triggering a wave of public anger over the country’s zero-Covid policy. Ten people were killed and nine injured when the blaze ripped through a residential building in the regional capital Urumqi, with many blaming lengthy lockdowns for hampering rescue efforts. According to...