In recent events, Mao Xinyu, the grandson of former Chinese Communist Party leader Mao Zedong, encountered a disturbance while paying respects to his ancestors in Hunan. A woman approached Mao Xinyu with multiple papers in hand, knelt down in front of him, seemingly seeking redress for grievances. His military-clad escort swiftly removed the woman. Throughout the incident, both Mao Xinyu and his son, Mao Dongdong, showed no reaction.
On April 5th, Tomb-Sweeping Day, Mao Xinyu visited his ancestral home in Shaoshan, Hunan. During the visit, a woman holding multiple papers knelt down in front of Mao Xinyu. His military-clad escort quickly removed the woman. Mao Xinyu remained unresponsive, completely ignoring the situation, as he was assisted by his escort. (Video link) The original video has since been deleted.
This incident spread widely on the social media platform X, sparking discussions among netizens:
“If it weren’t for their ancestor, Mao’s descendants wouldn’t have the glory and lifestyle they enjoy today.”
“The tens of millions of Chinese people who suffered under Mao hold nothing but hatred for him in their hearts.”
“If he were a man with courage, why didn’t he come forward to help the woman? Even just a glance or a word of inquiry?”
“All the expenses are paid by taxpayers’ hard-earned money.”
“The people are struggling to survive, and wrongful cases abound.”
“What a ridiculous drama in the world of mortals!”
“Democracy is asked of authoritarianism, answers are sought from those who avoid and create problems. Isn’t it like asking the blind for directions?”
Several Chinese media outlets reported that on April 5th, Mao Zedong’s grandson, Mao Xinyu, accompanied by his wife, Liu Bin, son Mao Dongdong, and daughter Mao Tianyi, visited Shaoshan in Hunan to lay a floral basket at the statue of Mao Zedong. On April 4th, they also visited the tomb of Yang Kaihui in Changsha County, Hunan. Yang Kaihui (1901-1930) was Mao Zedong’s second wife and originally from Changsha, Hunan.
The descendants of the Chinese Communist Party’s red elite used to hold significant official positions, but they have collectively withdrawn in different ways. Mao Xinyu, who previously attracted attention due to his identity and controversial statements at the annual National People’s Congress, has rarely appeared in public since failing to be re-elected as a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference in 2018.
On the day of the CCP’s grand military parade last year, the 93rd anniversary, Mao Xinyu and his family were present at Tiananmen Square to observe the ceremony. According to footage, Mao Xinyu and his son Mao Dongdong wore military uniforms, Liu Bin wore a light blue top with white pants, and daughter Mao Tianyi wore sportswear.