Ukrainian Peace Summit Proposed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy concluded in Switzerland on June 16, with the invited Chinese government declining to participate. Anhui Chizhou City Dongzhi County farmer, Zhang Liping, recently sent an open letter expressing support for Zelenskyy and donating to Ukraine, leading to a 4-hour questioning by authorities, sparking public attention.
According to a screenshot of Zhang Liping’s open letter dated June 14, he wrote: “My name is Zhang Liping, 74 years old this year, a Chinese farmer. At the time of the Switzerland Peace Summit, I extend my high regards to the brave spirit of the Ukrainian people’s fearless fight and express sincere condolences, sending 1000 RMB as a show of support. Victory for Ukraine, victory for peace. I wish you all the best.”
Related posts shared by netizens included Zhang Liping’s money transfer receipt.
However, another post in Zhang Liping’s social circle showed that he was interrogated by the Chinese public security for over 4 hours. Zhang Liping said, “I donated 1000 RMB to Ukraine on the 13th and wrote a letter to express sympathy and support to Zelenskyy. Yet I was suddenly questioned by the public security for over 4 hours last night, requesting the removal of that message. Being old, it’s hard to go through this, please do not disturb unless necessary. Thank you for your understanding and attention.”
Many netizens supported Zhang Liping’s donation and statement: “Is this a farmer? This level of thinking is much higher than some big Vs” (referring to verified accounts on social media), “Brave,” “Light of humanity,” “Thumbs up and respect to this old farmer.”
Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, and China has been criticized for covertly supporting Russia facing Western sanctions, leading to shortages in supplies, technology, and weapons. While official media openly supports Russia, voices advocating for Ukraine among the public face censorship and suppression.
After the news of Zhang Liping being questioned by public security all night was spread to overseas platforms, it drew the attention of Chinese netizens abroad:
John Zhang: “His insight and courage are admirable. Even if only one percent of the 1.4 billion people in China were like Zhang Liping, that would be 14 million. China’s future ultimately depends on the awakening of all its people, hoping that such a spark can illuminate the conscience of others.”
BobBows: “Uncle Zhang is a spark in the dark night, which the CCP is determined to extinguish. Uncle Zhang is praiseworthy, his ordeal is lamentable, and China’s dictators are shameful.”
Some netizens also commented, “A very normal donation, interpreted by the Communist Party as a foreign force subverting the regime, extremely ridiculous.”
Public records show that Zhang Liping is a villager from Daqiao Village, Dadukou Town, Dongzhi County, Chizhou City, Anhui Province. In July 2005, Zhang Liping was hired by the government of Dadukou Town, Dongzhi County. In September 2011, Zhang Liping reached retirement age, and the labor relationship between the two parties ended. Due to a dispute in labor insurance, Zhang Liping filed a lawsuit against the town government.