Zhao Xiling, a 35-year veteran high school teacher from Xi’an, China, who loves art and enjoys singing and socializing with friends, found herself oppressed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and ultimately forced to flee the country. Despite devoting her life to teaching with the initial aspiration of “enlightening with love” and igniting the sun in every student’s heart, the harsh realities of CCP control shattered her dreams repeatedly.
Throughout her teaching career, Zhao constantly struggled with the suppression of her inner thoughts and feelings under the heavy-handed control of the CCP. She was coerced to comply with propaganda, adjust her beliefs, and warned to “be cautious in speaking.” This inner conflict and suffering never ceased, deeply affecting her core values and principles.
Witnessing the government’s crackdown on the students’ movement during the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests left Zhao deeply scarred. The brutal actions taken against unarmed students questioning political authority left her questioning the inhumane nature of such governmental actions. The spirit of resistance from the Tiananmen Square protests continued to inspire her, reinforcing the belief that the pursuit of justice and truth should never be stifled.
Following her retirement, Zhao founded the Xi’an Tianyun Choir, aiming to use art to influence society positively. Despite facing challenges in competitions, where awards were often predetermined and her artistic integrity questioned, Zhao remained steadfast in her commitment to performing meaningful and emotionally engaging works, rejecting the pressure to sing politically endorsed “red songs.”
Zhao’s outspoken support for the student movements in Hong Kong led to repeated harassment by police, including home visits, deletion of videos and photos, and the blocking of her WeChat groups. Her open defiance against CCP oppression marked her as a key surveillance target, subjected to periodic police visits, phone interrogations, and surveillance.
Passionate about promoting justice and truth through her actions, Zhao felt compelled to speak out against the authoritarian practices of the CCP, especially during the extreme lockdown imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The severe restrictions imposed by the CCP left the Chinese people devoid of fundamental freedoms, with individuals afraid to express themselves or voice dissent.
Reflecting on her decision to leave China and seek asylum in the United States, Zhao recalled the challenges and dangers she faced in her journey to freedom. Overcoming obstacles and evading CCP surveillance, she finally arrived in the United States, where she actively participated in human rights activities, including protests against the CCP and solidarity events in support of democratic movements.
Zhao remains resolute in her belief that the oppressive regime of the CCP is unsustainable and destined for self-destruction due to its internal conflicts and relentless persecution of dissidents. She continues to advocate for justice, freedom, and the empowerment of the people to resist authoritarian rule, emphasizing the importance of individual awakening and collective action against tyranny and oppression.
Through her experiences and activism, Zhao Xiling stands as a beacon of courage and resilience, embodying the spirit of resistance against oppressive regimes and advocating for the rights and dignity of all individuals. Her unwavering commitment to truth and justice serves as a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit in the face of adversity and tyranny.