American Chinese athlete Liu Meixian won the gold medal in women’s figure skating at the Milan Winter Olympics, astounding the Chinese community. Her father, Liu Jun, fled to the United States after participating in the 1989 pro-democracy movement. However, mainland Chinese netizens are unable to find information on why Liu Jun left China. Analysts believe that the Tiananmen Square massacre in 1989 remains a taboo topic in China, and the Chinese Communist Party fears public discussion and awareness. The CCP regime is described as extremely evil yet also very fragile.
After Liu Meixian won the gold medal in women’s figure skating at the Milan Winter Olympics, rumors circulated on Chinese social media that she and Chinese American skier Gu Ailing are best friends. However, why did Liu Meixian not compete for China like Gu Ailing? Reports suggest that some label Liu Meixian’s father, Liu Jun, as a “traitor,” “defector,” or “criminal,” but the specific details of his alleged involvement are unclear.
Curious Chinese netizens have searched for more information on Liu Jun, exclaiming, “Can’t find out what Liu Jun actually did,” and expressing a deep interest in knowing more about his situation. However, any discussion on these topics is swiftly deleted, only referred to as events occurring “prior to 1990.”
Searching on the Chinese search engine Baidu from overseas, reporters found that Liu Meixian’s father, Liu Jun, is an immigrant American lawyer. In 1989, he arrived in the United States to San Francisco with $800, initially working in restaurants and taking on challenging jobs while studying law. In 1996, he passed the California Bar Exam and became a practicing lawyer.
However, Liu Jun revealed in a recent interview with NTD that in the 1990s, he fled China due to his participation in the 1989 Tiananmen Square pro-democracy protests. “I was wanted by the Chinese Communist government in 1989. After coming to the United States, I continued to organize protests in front of the Chinese consulate in San Francisco. The Chinese government never let me go.”
Formerly known as Liu Junguo, Liu Jun is a friend of Jiang Pinchao, editor of “The Poetry Collection of June Fourth” and a writer at the Library of Congress. Jiang Pinchao emphasized the importance of not letting the Communist Party erase the historical fact of Liu Jun’s exile.
These individuals, considered witnesses of history, challenge the CCP and advocate for human rights in China, facing constant monitoring and threats. They believe that the Chinese government’s suppression of dissidents and historical events like the Tiananmen Square massacre aims to maintain its power by erasing dissenting voices.
Many pro-democracy activists evaded arrest in China and sought refuge in Hong Kong before eventually moving to the United States with assistance from democracy advocates. However, the CCP’s persecution extends beyond China’s borders, as Liu Jun experienced firsthand through encountering a spy sent to monitor him in America.
Reflecting on his own experience and the hardships faced by political dissidents under CCP suppression, Jiang Pinchao described the regime as exceedingly evil and ruthless. He pointed out that the regime’s fear of exposure and vulnerability lies in the people’s innate sense of justice and remembrance of historical injustices.
At the 2026 Milan Winter Olympics, Liu Meixian’s remarkable performances led the US team to victory, winning the gold medal in women’s individual figure skating. Her father, Liu Jun, expressed how his 20-year-old daughter was fascinated by his life story – from standing up to the oppressive CCP regime in China to fleeing to the United States for a new life as a political refugee.
How did Liu Meixian achieve such dazzling success? Born in the San Francisco Bay Area, she displayed talent in ice skating from a young age. At just 13 years old, she became the youngest female skating champion in US history.
Liu Meixian even appeared on the popular American late-night talk show “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
In the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, she competed as the youngest member of the US team but finished sixth. However, she later won a bronze medal at the 2022 World Championships in March of the same year. Surprisingly, at the age of 16, she announced her retirement in April.
Her decision to return to competitive skating in 2024 marked a significant improvement in both her mindset and technique. This comeback was entirely driven by her own choices, including the selection of coaches and music, highlighting her independence and commitment to the sport.
Liu Jun shared his feelings regarding his daughter’s retirement and subsequent return to skating, expressing his support and pride for her accomplishments. He emphasized her happiness as a parent and wished for her continued success and joy in her pursuits.