On March 18, 2026, synchronized with the Hollywood Oscars Awards ceremony, the 13th “Oscar China Freedom and Human Rights Awards” was held on Sunday at the June 4th Memorial Hall, packed with guests.
This year, the United States has taken strong actions, leading to a reversal in the Venezuelan political situation, the imminent collapse of the Iranian dictatorship, and an impending change in Cuba. The sudden changes in the international situation have led activists to believe that a major transformation in China is imminent. Speakers at the event encouraged people both domestically and internationally to stand up against the Chinese Communist Party and work together to bring about change in China.
The award ceremony began with a video showcasing the “Top Ten Group Resistance Events of 2025” as identified by the Chinese public in order to pay tribute to the unsung heroes. Subsequently, individual and group awardees were recognized, including Zhu Chengzhi, Dong Guangping, Wang Yifei, Chang Jiaxuan, and all the involved members in the “China Democratic Victory Party” case in Lushui, Sichuan.
The award ceremony was hosted by Zhou Yunlong, Vice Chairman of the Los Angeles chapter of the China Democratic Party, and Zhang Zhijun, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the magazine “Opposition Party”. Zhou Yunlong pointed out that the current Chinese Communist regime is facing unprecedented pressure, with visible cracks showing signs of its collapse, and the demands arising from the combined pressures of reality and the awakening of the people are resonating. He asked, “Are you ready to join this revolutionary era?”
During his speech, Wang Dan, the director of the June 4th Memorial Hall and a leader of the 1989 student movement, praised this year’s awardees, stating that they had demonstrated justice in the darkest moments of China’s human rights history, and despite being imprisoned or oppressed, their spirit had transcended the Iron Curtain, shining brightly in the hall of human conscience. Facing the new situation, he called on overseas democracy movements to unite in resisting the Communist Party.
Due to various reasons, the awardees may not have been able to receive the news of their awards promptly. The awards were collected on their behalf by their friends and relatives in the United States. Zhu Yufu, a veteran of the China Democratic Party who previously won the first Oscar Freedom and Human Rights Award, expressed his gratitude, remembering the time when he found out about the award only after being released from prison, saying, “I am deeply thankful for those overseas who remember us, the sufferers in the depths of the dark night.”
One of this year’s awardees, Zhu Chengzhi, who had experienced unfair treatment in business and subsequently embarked on the path of defending rights, expressed his award acceptance speech despite the risks he faced. He stated that although he had been persecuted repeatedly, he had never been afraid, prepared to be imprisoned and judged by the dictators at any time, “I believe the day is not far away when the dictator will be brought to the historical judgment platform to face the judgment of the public.”
For the imprisoned Wang Yifei, the award was accepted by Yuan Jue, Deputy Secretary-General of the Chinese Parliament. As a compatriot and peer, Yuan Jue admired Wang Yifei’s courage to step forward in a dangerous environment. He believed that this honor belonged to “all those who still believe in light in the darkness and bravely contribute to making it a reality,” asserting that human pursuit of freedom and justice will never cease.
Taiwanese national Lee Mingzhe, who was imprisoned in China on charges of “subverting state power,” stated in a congratulatory video that the CCP’s dictatorship not only deeply permeates every corner of China but also harms the world; such a regime existing in the world is the greatest disgrace in human history.
Chen Chuang, representing the Chairman of the China Democratic Party Wang Juntao, reflected on his observations during defending the immigration case of the democracy activist Zhang Zhenzhen. He quoted an immigration officer’s statement that resisting the CCP was one of the most “American” actions that could be taken.
Among the dozen activists who traveled from afar, Zheng Yun, a board member of the China Democratic Foundation from San Francisco who is friends with Zhu Chengzhi and Dong Guangping on WeChat, often witnessed these dissidents being silenced or disconnected. She urged people to remember the price paid by the awardees for their beliefs and dignity and to believe that humanity will never stop pursuing human rights.
Cheng Wanli, a researcher from Chicago who faced investigation by Chinese security for supporting democracy and freedom in the United States, expressed that advocates and contributors to freedom and human rights should be recorded, respected, and supported. He stated that the perseverance of ordinary people is driving China towards a future of human rights and freedom, thereby highlighting the significance of the award activities.
The award ceremony on that day was jointly organized by the Los Angeles China Democratic Platform, Freedom Sculpture Park, June 4th Memorial Hall, and China Democracy and Human Rights Alliance, and guests included writers Su Xiaokang, sculptor Chen Weiming, among others.