In a recent video circulated online, Chinese billionaire Pan Shiyi revealed at a private gathering in the United States that he narrowly escaped a major crisis related to a letter sent by his friend Ren Zhiqiang. Ren Zhiqiang had sent a critical letter about Chinese leader Xi Jinping in 2020 to Pan and 10 others, leading to arrests of many recipients. However, Pan Shiyi, being in the U.S., managed to avoid the repercussions. The video initiated discussions about Ren Zhiqiang’s 2020 letter against Xi Jinping once again gaining attention.
After the video was widely shared online, Ren Zhiqiang’s 2020 letter titled “Even if Stripped Naked, Still Insist on Being the Clown Emperor” resurfaced on the internet. On various platforms, discussions related to Ren Zhiqiang and Pan Shiyi sparked heated debates, with several renowned commentators expressing their views.
Columnist Cai Shenkun commented on the situation, emphasizing that many are hesitant to expose the truth about Ren Zhiqiang’s unjust arrest, and the attempt to cover up political issues under the guise of economic disputes only serves to conceal reality. The risk of self-censorship and fear of discussing sensitive topics at social gatherings reflect the regime’s oppressive tactics. Cai warned against succumbing to government manipulation and stressed the importance of standing up against unjust government policies.
The incident involving Pan Shiyi and Ren Zhiqiang prompted worries among the Chinese official circles, with concerns about spoken words being monitored. Online speculations suggested various motives behind the release of the video, prompting discussions on the current state of freedom of speech in China and the risks associated with speaking out against political injustices.
Former professor at the CCP Central Party School, Cai Xia, highlighted the plight of Ren Zhiqiang, who has been incarcerated for over six years for speaking out on behalf of the Chinese people. She emphasized the responsibility of individuals to support those imprisoned for their beliefs and to speak out against authoritarian regimes.
Public opinion on the matter varied, with some suggesting that Pan Shiyi’s actions were deliberate, possibly as a preemptive move for political asylum in the future. Others admired Ren Zhiqiang’s bravery and integrity but cautioned against using his actions as a moral yardstick for others.
In a reflective piece titled “My Reflections,” published on Pan Shiyi’s personal WeChat account on April 16, 2026, he discussed the crises plaguing the Chinese real estate industry and called for a return to integrity and consumer protection to revive the sector. The article was quickly deleted, and discussions about it were censored on mainland Chinese platforms, indicating sensitivities within the Chinese government.
Commentator Du Zheng’s analysis in the Taiwan media outlet “Up Media” suggested that the deletion of Pan Shiyi’s article might indicate a discomfort within the Chinese Communist Party regarding critiques of the system. Pan Shiyi’s desire for the Chinese real estate market to recover symbolizes the industry’s hope for a return to ethical practices once the Communist regime transitions out of power.