Violent protests erupted in the city of Pucheng, located in northwest China's Shaanxi province, following the mysterious death of a teenage boy. The 17-year-old student, surnamed Dang, fell to his death from his school dormitory on January 2, with authorities labeling it an accident. However, allegations of a cover-up and bullying began circulating on social media, igniting widespread outrage and protests.

Over several days, hundreds of demonstrators clashed with police, throwing objects and shouting, "Give us the truth." Videos shared on social media captured the chaos, showing protesters storming a building, vandalizing offices, and toppling barricades. The BBC confirmed the authenticity of these videos, which were largely censored on Chinese social media platforms.

The Chinese government has historically been sensitive to public demonstrations, especially since the 2022 White Paper protests against Covid policies that featured rare criticism of the Chinese Communist Party and President Xi Jinping. State media maintained silence regarding the protests in Pucheng, while authorities urged the public not to spread "rumors" about the incident. Despite overwhelming evidence, the Pucheng government denied that any protests occurred.

This incident has brought to light the sensitive issue of bullying in China, which has previously sparked protests. Although the Chinese government has taken steps to address bullying, many believe that further action is necessary. While the protests in Pucheng have been suppressed, the incident is likely to have lasting implications for how the Chinese government manages public demonstrations and handles sensitive topics.