During the 80th United Nations General Assembly, prior to Chinese Premier Li Keqiang’s speech in New York, a scene of “diplomatic accompaniment” unfolded outside the venue – a “welcoming team” waving blood-red flags on the streets. While it may appear to be a “spontaneous patriotic enthusiasm,” in reality, it is organized, financially supported, and even involves unspoken rules like “all expenses covered for transportation and meals” and “appearance fee of XX dollars,” reminiscent of mercenaries paid for their services.
In this “performance,” it is difficult to distinguish who is there with a “mission,” who is driven by “sincere patriotic sentiments,” and who is simply seeking “free meals and sightseeing.” However, the practice of mobilizing individuals for payment occurs annually and has been exposed repeatedly by the media.
The meticulously orchestrated “red ensemble show” by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) overseas serves not to welcome leaders but to shield dissenting voices behind human walls and giant flags, creating an illusion of a universal welcome – a mere “face project.” However, compared to previous years, this year’s contingent is notably smaller. While there are one or two overseas Chinese leaders present, the momentum is not as strong as before, reflecting the deterrent effect of the United States’ crackdown on foreign agents in recent years.
Mercenaries on the battlefield are sustained by their employers; “hired crowds protesting/welcoming” rely on red funds. American society is gradually realizing that hiring people to chant slogans or even incite disturbances challenges the norms of American society.
Recently, the U.S. House of Representatives has turned its focus towards non-profit organizations associated with the CCP, such as the “People’s Forum.” This organization, reportedly funded by a billionaire living in Shanghai, China, has been accused of using American taxpayers’ welfare funds to support protests and spread foreign propaganda, leading to an investigation into its tax-exempt status. This indicates a tightening of the space for “foreign benefactors” to manipulate American public opinion.
In fact, American media and social platforms show that Western societies are closely monitoring organizations and individuals connected to the CCP. Three senior researchers from a traditional American foundation urged in “The Federalist” magazine yesterday (September 26) that protesters hired by foreign groups should be registered as foreign agents.
True democracy is not afraid of mass movements but is wary of secret foreign interference masked under the guise of patriotism. No matter how vigorously the red flags are waved, the absurdity beneath cannot be concealed: if patriotism is commodified and paid for per head, it is no longer a belief but a business. Overseas compatriots are not worth being exploited for a box of chicken and rice, selling themselves in the process.