After the Third Plenum of the Chinese Communist Party, the political situation in China has remained turbulent. On July 30th, protests similar to those carried out by Peng Lifa reappeared in Xinhua County, Loudi, Hunan Province, where individuals hung banners on a bridge and played slogans such as “We want freedom and democracy” and anti-Xi Jinping chants through loudspeakers, with their whereabouts currently unknown.
In the evening of July 30th, a video circulating online showed individuals hanging banners on a bridge in Xinhua County, Loudi, Hunan Province, displaying slogans demanding freedom, democracy, and elections while calling for the removal of the dictator Xi Jinping. The safety of the protesters is currently unknown.
Online users commented:
“Bravery is commendable, I salute them. (But it is not advisable for friends within the wall to sacrifice themselves in this way. It is entirely possible to hang the banners during the cover of darkness, ensuring one’s own safety.)”
“Someone has lit the spark, and eventually it will blaze into a wildfire.”
“This action is undoubtedly a direct challenge to the CCP’s rule and a release of long-suppressed public opinion under the authoritarian system. Ironically, the CCP boasts of ‘serving the people,’ but when faced with genuine public expression, it swiftly suppresses it. This banner is not just a cry, but also a mirror reflecting the hypocrisy and fear of a system. The voice of the people ultimately cannot be suppressed indefinitely.”
“Hang a banner, play a recording, and hide. If one truly wishes to resist, there are ways to do so. If everyone acts, they won’t be able to keep up.”
“This reminds me of the path taken by the youth of Hong Kong a few years ago.”
“Not only banners but also broadcasting – braver and more admirable than Peng Lifa, salute!”
Prior to the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, on October 13, 2022, Peng Lifa, using the pseudonym Peng Zaizhou, risked his life to display banners on the Sutong Bridge in Beijing, demanding “No nucleic acid tests, we want to eat; No lockdowns, we want freedom; No lies, we want dignity; No Cultural Revolution, we want reform; No leader worship, we want votes; Don’t be slaves, be citizens,” along with calling for the removal of Xi Jinping. He was subsequently arrested and became a symbol of grassroots anti-communism.
Before his protest, Peng Lifa shared insights on electromagnetics on ResearchGate and published an “Open Letter to Compatriots Nationwide” on the same platform, urging the military and police nationwide to “be brave like Cai E, Li Lijun, and Tang Jiayao, don’t assist the tyrant, don’t sacrifice for the dictator, and don’t become cannon fodder for the dictator.”
In April 2023, Peng Lifa was nominated for Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People. On October 13, 2023, Gallagher, chairman of the US Congressional China Commission, nominated Peng Lifa as a candidate for the Nobel Peace Prize.
The Sutong Bridge, famous for the protest banners hung by the anti-communist warrior Peng Lifa (Peng Zaizhou), has had its road sign removed from outside the railing. Informants mentioned that the police are closely guarding the Sutong Bridge 24 hours a day. However, now the warriors have chosen to spread out across the country.