On November 30, 2025, in New York City’s Times Square, Tian Maochang from Beijing, a participant in the Blank Paper Movement, organized a commemorative event for the third anniversary of the movement. He spoke about the courageous resistance of people under extreme control and expressed the desire of young people for a democratic and free China.
Tian Maochang, born in the ’90s, had a successful career in China and went through various experiences. He studied journalism in university with the dream of being a critical reporter, only to find out that in China, there were no true journalists, just mouthpieces for the state-run Xinhua News Agency. He then shifted to the field of education but encountered challenges due to the illegitimate practices in the education sector. Later, he ventured into the real estate industry during Donald Trump’s presidency, witnessing the economic downturn in China.
Subsequently, he entered the internet fiction industry as a means of solace during the pandemic. However, the extreme control measures by the Chinese authorities made everyday activities like commuting, working, and eating into significant challenges.
Reflecting on the changes in Chinese society, Tian Maochang expressed a yearning for freedom and democracy beyond the struggle for basic needs. He emphasized his desire to live in a free and democratic country.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the authorities heightened surveillance using big data to track people’s movements. Tian Maochang shared incidents where simple outings turned into long waits due to extensive health protocols and restrictions imposed under the guise of public safety.
Tian Maochang revealed the ordeal his family faced when his mother was critically injured in a car accident in July 2021. The stringent control measures limited their ability to care for her during her hospitalization, leading to lasting physical and emotional trauma.
Driven by these experiences, Tian Maochang believed that the eruption of the Blank Paper Revolution was inevitable, reflecting a deep-rooted desire for change among the disillusioned Chinese populace.
As economic conditions worsened domestically, with many facing unemployment and financial strain, Tian Maochang predicted that another wave of protests akin to the Blank Paper Movement could occur in the near future.
The Blank Paper Movement, celebrated on its third anniversary in November 2025, marked a significant moment of protest and commemoration for democracy in China. Tian Maochang’s leadership in organizing the event underscored the ongoing support for the movement both within and outside China.
The projection of anti-communist messages on the outer wall of the Chinese consulate in New York City during the anniversary event demonstrated the increasing global attention and support for the Blank Paper Movement.
Tian Maochang believed that the use of modern tactics, such as projection mapping, against the consulate symbolized the movement’s growing impact and the fear it instilled in the Chinese authorities.
He emphasized the resilience of those who stood up during the movement’s inception three years ago, highlighting their continued commitment to advocating for change. The simple act of holding up a blank paper became a potent symbol of resistance against the oppressive regime in China.