In the midst of a deep crisis in Chinese society, various Chinese-American organizations came together to organize a “China Forum” seminar, aiming to reflect on the profound disasters brought to the people by the Chinese Communist Party’s rule and to discuss how to face major changes.
On Saturday, the inaugural session of the “China Forum” series was held at the June 4th Museum in Los Angeles, jointly organized by the “Dialogue China” think tank in Los Angeles and the June 4th Museum. The event was co-organized by the Free Clock Foundation, the Joint Headquarters of the China Democratic Party, and the Los Angeles Party Branch of the China Democratic Party. Participants included veterans of the 1989 pro-democracy movement, numerous experts, scholars, and influential figures in online political commentary programs.
Nearly a hundred Chinese individuals and members of the Democratic Party attended, engaging in discussions with experts and scholars on sensitive issues related to China’s current situation, creating a friendly and lively atmosphere at the event.
The discussions of the day were divided into three sessions. The first session focused on “A Retrospective and Outlook of Political Opposition Movements in China” and was moderated by Ms. Tong Yi, a former student activist from the June 4th movement, attracting considerable attention.
Renowned American sinologist Eugene Perry Link, Jr. shared three key viewpoints in his address. Firstly, he emphasized the extreme instability of the current situation in China, suggesting that Xi Jinping’s repeated assertion of confidence actually signals a lack of genuine confidence. Secondly, Link asserted that the Communist Party is incapable of bringing prosperity to China, and a transition away from communist rule is necessary for China to become a true modern civilized nation. Thirdly, he advocated for the continuation of nonviolent methods in opposing the regime.
Reflecting on the lessons learned from the 1989 pro-democracy movement and political opposition movements in Eastern European countries, Wang Dan, former student movement leader and head of the “Dialogue China” think tank, underscored the importance of clear demands, grassroots relevance, and effective media dissemination for successful movements.
Wang Dan suggested that the current Communist Party regime in China is in a state of crisis and could collapse at any time. He emphasized the need to address key issues in rebuilding a future China, such as national structure, the integration of welfare policies with civic duties, and the privatization of state-owned enterprises and rural land during the transition period.
Guest speaker Pastor Zhang Boli recounted his firsthand experience of the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre, highlighting the CCP’s ongoing refusal to apologize for the atrocity. He emphasized that the event exposed the brutal nature of the Communist Party, revealing it as an enemy of the people rather than a legitimate government or party.
Political commentator Zheng Xuguang pointed out the historical reliance of the CCP on support from the Soviet Union and asserted that Beijing’s political system remains entrenched in a “Party-State system,” despite outward appearances of globalization. He highlighted the party’s authoritarian regime and the self-serving practices of party cadres.
Lawyer Liu Jun critiqued the contradictions and illogical elements of the Chinese Communist Party’s constitution, questioning the supposed leadership of the people alongside the Party’s authoritarian control.
Wu Jianmin reflected on the slogans of the 1989 student movement and emphasized the mistake of placing hope for political reform and anti-corruption efforts in the hands of the Communist Party.
These insights and reflections from the participants highlighted the need for a clear and strategic approach in combating the oppressive regime of the Communist Party and working towards a more democratic and just future for China.