Silencing critics is part of the Communist Party’s long-term strategy. It is not always successful. During Prime Minister Li Qiang’s visit to Australia, activists protested against China’s human rights crimes. What Chinese state bodies then do is organize counter-protests. A large number of supposedly voluntary supporters are used to drown out the critical protest and thus marginalize it. In this case, this is achieved – at least in part – with the help of large Chinese flags or the banner of the Melbourne World Friendship Organization (bottom right), a United Front organization serving state propaganda.