Chinese officials affirm zero-Covid stance despite protests demanding Xi Jinping's resignation

Officials have eased anti-virus rules in some scattered areas, such as Urumqi and the city of Korla in Xinjiang

A woman shouts during a protest in Beijing (AP)

Chinese authorities have affirmed their commitment to a severe “zero-Covid” strategy after crowds demanded the resignation of President Xi Jinping during protests against measures that confine millions of people to their homes.

The government made no comment on the protests or criticism of Mr Xi following the most widespread display of opposition to the ruling Communist Party in decades.