Which of these is a common method employed by the Chinese government in response to protests?

The Chinese government's response to protests frequently includes the arrest of protesters and activists. This method aims to deter dissent and maintain stability by demonstrating the consequences of challenging the authority of the state. The Chinese Communist Party prioritizes social order and control over civil liberties, often labeling protests as threats to national security. Consequently, the arrest of individuals involved in protests serves to instill fear in potential dissenters and suppress the mobilization of opposition movements.

In contrast to other options, the government does not typically regulate all forms of media in direct response to protests; instead, it maintains a firm grip on information dissemination to prevent unrest in general. Implementing new labor laws might occur but is not a direct response to protests—it represents a broader engagement with economic issues rather than a specific reaction to dissent. Promoting peaceful negotiations is also not a common strategy used by the government, as the preferred approach tends to be more confrontational, focusing on control rather than dialogue with dissenters.