Picking quarrels and provoking trouble

"Picking quarrels and provoking trouble" (simplified Chinese: 寻衅滋事; traditional Chinese: 尋釁滋事; pinyin: xúnxìn zīshì) is a criminal offence in mainland China, codified in the Criminal Law and mirrored in administrative penalties. While initially introduced as a measure to address public order offences, the charge has evolved into a versatile legal tool to deter petitioning and public participation, as well as to control speech and put out dissent. Its breadth, vagueness, and rising penalties have raised concerns in recent years, including calls from scholars and legislators for clearer thresholds, practical restraint, or even repeal.