On July 1st, human rights activist Xing Jian solemnly declared his acquisition of New Zealand citizenship and renouncement of Chinese citizenship. Xing Jian, from Xixian County, Henan Province, China, fled to Thailand in 2015 to seek refugee status with the United Nations and arrived in New Zealand in January 2020 after narrowly escaping being repatriated to mainland China. Having endured persecution in China, he now feels reborn and in the light of freedom in New Zealand.
Displayed on Xing Jian’s certificate of citizenship is a background design featuring silver fern leaves, the national symbol of New Zealand; in the top right corner is a soaring seagull emblematic of freedom, and in the bottom right is a map of New Zealand delineating its North and South Islands.
Xing Jian expressed his excitement at becoming a New Zealand citizen, with only two guests permitted at his citizenship ceremony, where democracy activist Chen Weijian attended on his behalf. He shared that his departure from China marks a decade since he left, and after five years in New Zealand, he was granted citizenship approval last month and coincidentally scheduled his ceremony on July 1st.
Following the citizenship ceremony, Xing Jian read a declaration renouncing his Chinese citizenship outside the Chinese Consulate in Auckland, stating his firm resolve to sever ties with the oppressive regime and recounting the political persecution suffered by multiple generations of his family under communist rule.
In his renunciation statement, Xing Jian detailed the injustices and hardships his family endured in China, emphasizing that the pervasive persecution led him to make the definitive decision to relinquish his Chinese citizenship without hesitation.
Xing Jian’s father, Xing Wangli, a rights advocate, is currently detained by Chinese authorities on fabricated charges. Xing Jian highlighted the increased suppression his family faced under Xi Jinping’s administration, with recurrent arrests and infringements on their freedom persisting.
In an effort to safeguard his newfound freedom and protect against potential coercion by the Chinese government, Xing Jian staunchly rejected any attempts to reinstate Chinese citizenship in the future, asserting his commitment to democracy and fundamental rights as a New Zealand citizen.
Reflecting on his experiences in New Zealand, Xing Jian underscored the value of free speech, individual rights, and legal protections that allow him to openly express dissent without fearing reprisal, contrasting the oppressive environment in China where even minor criticisms could lead to severe consequences.
Xing Jian highlighted the importance of standing against authoritarianism and aligning with democratic principles as he navigates his new life in New Zealand, emphasizing that only with the Communist Party’s ousting can China hope for a brighter future.
Expressing his concerns over transnational harassment by the Chinese regime even in New Zealand, Xing Jian urged for enhanced awareness of Chinese influence and the implementation of measures to counter their covert activities, emphasizing the need for robust legislation to combat foreign interference and protect national security.
As Xing Jian commemorates his journey to freedom and rebirth in New Zealand, his story serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of resilience, the pursuit of democratic ideals, and the unwavering commitment to justice and liberty.