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From Our Own Correspondent: The paradox of China's reopening

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14/01/2023 GMT

The paradox of China's reopening

BBC World Service - From Our Own Correspondent, The paradox of China's reopening

People are finally on the move in China; plus stories from Sri Lanka, Brazil and Portugal

Domestic travel surges for Lunar New Year as Covid cases rise in China; an artist’s view of Sri Lanka’s ills; battle of the narratives in Brazil and a life off-grid in Portugal.

Pascale Harter introduces reportage, analysis and wit from BBC correspondents and writers in China, Sri Lanka, Brazil and Portugal.

China is on the move - finally - after nearly three years of pandemic lockdowns and restrictions. Following widespread protests against harsh Covid controls last year, the limits on domestic and international travel are being rolled back. So as the Year of the Rabbit approaches, millions of people are now taking the chance to visit and celebrate with relatives in their home villages. Stephen McDonnell has the view from Beijing. 

Sri Lanka’s economic troubles sparked violent political unrest during 2022, and the vast majority of its people are still struggling to make ends meet. But will its leaders ever really be held to account? While in the capital, Colombo, Zeinab Badawi talked to renowned modern artist, Jagath, about his vision of the country’s past, present and future. 

The scenes of destruction in Brasilia on the 8th of January were shocking – with crowds running amok through Brazil’s Presidential Palace, Supreme Court and Congress buildings, and causing serious damage. As the new administration of President Lula da Silva pursues those responsible for the disorder, the BBC’s Katy Watson explores the competing political narratives which fuelled the chaos.  

And from rural Portugal: a tale of building a new life for yourself – from the ground up. Alastair Leithead had survived plenty of challenging situations during his twenty years as a BBC correspondent, from war zones to natural disasters. But getting his off-grid home up and running in the Alentejo has provided plenty more.

Producer: Polly Hope
Production coordinator: Iona Hammond
Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith

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