A month ago, the “Anti-Communist Eastbound” convoy departed from the Mojave Desert Sculpture Park in Southern California, crossing the United States to expose the extreme harm of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to the world. After traveling through over twenty states, on October 7th, they finally returned to their final destination – the CCP consulate in Los Angeles.
Sixty to seventy people anxiously awaited in front of the consulate. After 4 p.m. on Tuesday, when the vehicle carrying the CCP virus sculpture appeared, bursts of applause erupted from the crowd.
The leader of the “Eastbound” convoy and sculptor, Chen Weiming, emerged from the driver’s seat, stood on the roof of the vehicle, and led the crowd in chanting slogans against the CCP in front of the consulate: “Hold the CCP accountable, make the CCP compensate, restore freedom to the Chinese people!” The crowd, including police officers there to maintain order, was unusually excited, with many taking out their phones to take pictures.
The long journey did not seem to tire Chen Weiming, who remained spirited. Several young participants also appeared to be very happy. During the speech, Chen Weiming recounted the challenges they faced over the past month, the enthusiastic help provided by US government officials, police, and civilians, and particularly the two height restrictions encountered by the virus vehicle, preventing it from passing through tunnels and bridges.
In Denver, Colorado, due to height restrictions, the convoy had to detour around tunnels, traverse mountains carefully through snowy paths; at that time, Chen Weiming realized that the greater the difficulty and burden, the greater the joy of moving forward. In Washington DC, the convoy got stuck on a one-way street, unable to cross a nearby bridge, but luckily, the DC police department provided several patrol cars to lead the convoy safely out of the area.
At the Capitol, US State Department officials, several members of Congress, and Chris Smith, head of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), met with them, engaged in deep conversations, and listened to their demands.
Chen Weiming and others presented three main demands: first, seeking compensation from the CCP for the losses caused by the CCP virus; second, imposing sanctions on CCP infiltration in the United States, countering CCP’s extended jurisdiction; and third, assisting the Chinese people in fighting for freedom, democracy, human rights, and other basic freedoms. He stated that it is precisely because the Chinese people lack these freedoms that the CCP virus has spread worldwide, posing a significant threat to the world.
On September 25th, the convoy arrived at the federal courthouse in New York City, attending the trial of the “CCP Virus Sculpture Arson Case.” One of the main suspects in the arson case, Liu Fan, together with several others, set fire to the “CCP Virus” sculpture displayed in the Southern California Sculpture Park on July 23, 2021. The suspects were subsequently arrested, but some key suspects were released on high bail, leading to delays in the trial.
Chen Weiming mentioned that they saw the suspect Liu Fan in court. The defense attorney was trying to delay the proceedings, but the judge rejected each attempt. The presiding judge ultimately announced that the case would be decided in April next year.
After the hearing, prosecutors and FBI officials spoke with Chen Weiming, learning about ongoing damage at the park following the destruction of the “CCP Virus Sculpture.” Chen Weiming informed them that several dogs in the park were poisoned or killed, and provided hospital examination reports.
“The judge said it has been over two years, the evidence is sufficient, and there is no reason for further delay; the trial must proceed in April next year.” Chen Weiming emphasized the importance of this trial, stating that if they are not brought to justice this time, they will become even more rampant, causing greater erosion and destruction to American society.
Ten vehicles participated in the Eastbound journey. Except for the vehicle carrying the “CCP Virus,” which had two drivers, the other vehicles had a single driver. Despite the tiring long drives, all members were very happy upon their return.
Along the way, the Eastbound warriors overcame various obstacles, including multiple flat tires. One member had to be urgently hospitalized for appendicitis and has yet to be discharged, with team members volunteering to take turns caring for him.
“This Eastbound trip feels like it was worth a lifetime,” said Yuan Ze, who drove a newly purchased Toyota truck and towed a camper. Despite the challenges of less than ideal eating and sleeping conditions, the unity and cooperation of over thirty brothers and sisters in completing the arduous mission deeply moved him. “Many Americans also care greatly about this cause; they give us thumbs up and praise, saying our actions are commendable.”
Liu Ao, a post-90s participant who made many bumper stickers for the journey, initially did not plan to join but decided to participate upon hearing about the harm inflicted on several dogs at the park and the vandalism of park signs, feeling compelled to stand against the heinous actions of the CCP. Throughout the journey, he was responsible for ensuring the safety of the “CCP Virus Sculpture.” To prevent arson, he slept with a fire extinguisher next to him every night, ready to respond to any emergency.
Ren Wei, who took time off work to join the procession, purchased a camper van to provide more comfortable sleeping arrangements for the team members. Due to delays in vehicle insurance procedures, he had to drive continuously to catch up with the convoy in Arizona, experiencing a flat tire along the way. His teammates spent a night sleeping in his camper van, finally able to have a good night’s rest.
“This is something I am proud of in my life,” Ren Wei shared. In China, as a commoner, he might not even have access to county government buildings due to strict security measures. However, in the United States, “we can enter the Capitol, visit inside the Supreme Court; Americans may not realize, but the impact on us is indeed significant.”
Lao Shaohai, who previously worked in the IT industry in China, shared that during the journey, he not only felt the warmth of Americans but also experienced the care and unity among team members. He even stayed behind to care for a teammate hospitalized for appendicitis.
Jin Xiuhong, the chairwoman of the Chinese Democratic Alliance, who walked with a cane, delivered a speech in English at the gathering. She stated that the CCP not only arrests dissidents and human rights lawyers domestically but also extends its crackdown to the United States. As long as the CCP exists, “we are not safe even when in the United States.” She led the gathering in chanting slogans like “End the CCP!”
Jin Xiuhong also introduced the American officials they met during the journey, urging the US government to prosecute the CCP regime: “The CCP must be held accountable, the CCP must be responsible for the losses of life and property during the pandemic.” ◇