On the eve of the 35th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square protests, prominent democracy activist Xu Wenli pointed out that to solve China’s problems, it is necessary to break free from the rule of the Communist Party.
Recently, Xu Wenli, an active participant in China’s democracy movement, gave an interview to the Epoch Times, discussing his views on the Chinese democratic process in the 35 years since the Tiananmen Square protests.
Xu Wenli, who hails from Anqing, Anhui, was involved in the Democracy Wall movement from 1978-1980. In 1998, he was one of the founding leaders of the China Democracy Party. He emphasized that remembering the events of Tiananmen Square is primarily about honoring the citizens and students who lost their lives in Beijing and across the country. Particularly notable are the young students and citizens who sacrificed their lives for their ideals, something that the Chinese people should never forget.
During the Tiananmen Square protests, Xu Wenli noted that the Communist Party attempted to control the narrative, with some individual student leaders actually being members of the CCP sent to infiltrate the movement. However, he emphasized the importance of recognizing the students and citizens who gave their lives for the democracy movement. Understanding the causes and severity of the events of Tiananmen Square is crucial, and it’s important to remember the martyrs who gave their lives for Chinese democracy and freedom. Revealing the crimes of Mao Zedong is paramount, with subsequent movements focusing more on criticizing Deng Xiaoping.
Xu Wenli highlighted that while the Tiananmen Square protests were initiated by students, the widespread participation was fueled by issues such as the dual-track economic reforms of the Communist Party, corruption, rising prices, and widespread panic buying. The Tiananmen Square protests represented the largest democratic movement in China since 1949, with people gathering in major cities across the country.
He stated that understanding the full context reveals that the periods under Mao Zedong were the most difficult for the Chinese people, with misinformation leading to a lack of awareness among the majority. The strict internal control by the CCP exacerbated this situation, making criticisms of both Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping reasonable.
Xu Wenli emphasized that the current political environment within China has deteriorated, and the current democratic movement differs significantly in approach and tactics compared to 1978 or even the events of 1989. Under Xi Jinping’s leadership, the suppression and censorship of the democratic movement have been even more severe than under Mao Zedong.
Moreover, he mentioned that more Chinese people are embracing universal values, an inevitable outcome of economic reforms. Despite the worsening political climate, the pursuit of freedom and democracy remains prevalent in Chinese society. Watching Chinese-produced television dramas can provide a better understanding of the dissemination of these values, signaling a foundational shift in Chinese society.
In terms of the democratic movement, Xu Wenli believes that maintaining optimism is essential, as slow progress is still progress. As China gradually moves towards respecting human rights and democratic freedoms, he highlighted the importance of maintaining a hopeful outlook.
Xu Wenli stressed that the lack of freedom of speech in current Chinese society is hindering the realization of a genuine democratic society. Despite the various measures taken by the CCP to restrict freedom of speech, individuals continue to attempt to break through these limitations, marking a slow and continuous process of change.
For the CCP, freedom of speech remains a headache, as the existence of the internet makes blocking information increasingly challenging. However, the presence of the internet has also facilitated the development of freedom of speech to a certain extent. The CCP cannot fully control the evolution of freedom of speech as long as they do not completely shut down the internet, leading to a continuous stream of “cyber dissidents” challenging the status quo.
Xu Wenli pointed out that the lack of correct theories and firm leadership during the student movement led to difficulties in maneuvering and potential misjudgments. Many so-called student leaders were actually cultivated by the CCP and sent to play specific roles in the movement.
Having experienced firsthand the shortcomings of organizational leadership in prison, Xu Wenli felt the repercussions of the lack of strong leadership in the movement, resulting in failure and the potential for armed suppression. He reminisced, “Although I understood the situation at the time, I still felt anxious and helpless.”
Lastly, Xu Wenli emphasized that the CCP controls ideologies through a large network structure, with party members serving as informants at various levels, restricting the liberation of thought in China. To address China’s issues, breaking free from the Communist Party’s rule is paramount.
Encouraging the youth in China to have lofty aspirations and determination, Xu Wenli, at 81 years old, continues to monitor changes in China due to his unwavering beliefs guiding him. He urges the younger generation to strive for a China that values freedom of speech, emphasizing that without it, achieving democracy is impossible. He calls on young individuals aspiring for democratic change to take on the responsibility of promoting normalization in China.