Founder of the Demolition Wall Movement, Qiao Xinxin, was arrested by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) abroad a year ago. Another co-founder, Feng Ye, managed to escape to the United States after facing numerous obstacles. He expresses gratitude to God for opening a door for him while strongly protesting CCP’s violations of international law by suppressing dissidents across borders.
Realizing the danger from the CCP, in June 2023, Feng Ye and his wife submitted the DS-160 visa application to the United States. Since 2020, they had been living and working in Laos, with his wife teaching Chinese at a renowned international school, which gave them confidence in obtaining a U.S. visa.
Initially intending Laos as a temporary stay, they found themselves stuck due to the travel restrictions caused by the pandemic. Feng Ye started teaching Chinese and later seized the opportunity in e-commerce, selling Chinese and electronic products to Laos and Thailand online to fund his escape.
Upon confirming Qiao Xinxin’s arrest, Feng Ye immediately started his escape. He rode his motorcycle towards the remote jungle in southwest Laos. At 9 a.m., during the U.S. Embassy’s working hours, he sent a distress signal to the embassy. They replied in the afternoon, unable to issue a refugee visa and suggested seeking refugee status from the United Nations.
As news of Qiao Xinxin’s arrest spread, on June 4th, a friend informed Feng Ye that they could take him to Thailand. That night, he was driven to the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge and crossed into Thailand past customs at around 7 p.m., staying up all night in vigil for the events of June 4th. He arrived in Bangkok on June 7th and applied for refugee status with the UN on June 8th.
However, Feng Ye soon discovered that for Chinese dissenters, Thailand was like another prison. Since Premier Li Keqiang’s promise of $100 million in humanitarian aid for refugees at the 71st United Nations General Assembly in September 2016, hardly any Chinese refugees have been successfully resettled or received aid, leaving them in limbo for years.
Feeling desperate, Feng Ye faced unfriendly treatment from refugee organizations in Thailand and the lengthy wait for temporary refugee status, often lasting one to three years. Despite constant efforts to maintain legal status and numerous travels to Southeast Asian and even Serbian countries, he felt trapped in a cycle of uncertainty.
In March, he attempted to fly to Turkey with plans to reach America via Quito. However, Turkish Airlines denied boarding, sparking concerns that he might be on a watchlist. Two days later, he received unexpected news that he could collect his formal refugee card.
While Feng Ye continued his fugitive journey, in August last year, his wife went to the U.S. Embassy and swiftly obtained a ten-year visa. Yet, Feng Ye hesitated to return to Laos due to rumors of a bounty on his life issued by the Hunan Business Council reportedly reaching $70,000. Now, he had to try applying for a U.S. visa once again.
Without a long-term visa in Thailand, Feng Ye couldn’t apply at the Thai Embassy, and instead, his wife submitted the DS-160 form to the U.S. Embassy in Laos. Sneaking into Laos from Thailand the day before the interview, he insisted on speaking Mandarin during the interview. The supervisor grilled him for half an hour on his involvement in groups, investigating every detail.
Ultimately, the visa officer approved his application and asked him to return the next week to collect his passport. Overjoyed by the successful visa approval, Feng Ye was astonished as he hadn’t even provided bank statements due to his year-long fugitive status. Feeling truly blessed, he attributed his success to divine intervention.
In June, Feng Ye and his wife flew to the United States. Despite ongoing financial struggles and advice from friends to keep a low profile, he remained determined to advocate for Qiao Xinxin, hoping for a better outcome for him. Feng Ye believed that raising awareness and unveiling the truth were essential in the fight against CCP’s propaganda.
The couple arrived in the U.S. in July, with Feng Ye continuing to engage in the Demolition Wall Movement. He emphasized the importance of dismantling CCP’s information firewall, which serves to manipulate and mislead the public. By shedding light on the truth, they hoped to overturn the CCP’s oppressive rule and inspire others to take a stand.
Reflecting on the tragic death of activist Sun Lin, who was beaten to death by state security in Nanjing in November last year, Feng Ye shared his regret for not being able to assist Sun Lin in his escape. Witnessing Sun Lin’s fate amidst his own escape journey left him deeply shaken, emphasizing the emotional turmoil involved in their struggle for freedom.
While expressing concern for Qiao Xinxin’s well-being and condemning the CCP’s severe repression, Feng Ye remained committed to the cause and praised Liu Dongling, based in Europe, for assuming leadership of the movement. Despite challenges and risks, he believed that every voice raised against the oppressive regime brought them a step closer to change, emphasizing the significance of continued activism and advocacy.