Overseas Chinese activists commemorated the second anniversary of the White Paper Movement, which protested against COVID-19 lockdown policies. Vigils were held in various cities, where exiles reflected on the movement’s impact and honored detained protesters. The movement has galvanized a new generation of activists, amidst ongoing repression from the Chinese government.
Chinese exiles held commemorative events across the globe to mark the second anniversary of the White Paper Movement, a significant protest against COVID-19 lockdown policies in China. The gathering witnessed around fifty participants in Amsterdam, where they held candles, flowers, and blank sheets of paper, emblematic of their dissent against the Chinese government’s restrictions. The White Paper Movement, which emerged following protests ignited by a tragic fire incident in Urumqi, has galvanized a new wave of pro-democracy activism among Chinese expatriates and their supporters.
Vigils were similarly organized in cities such as Berlin, London, San Francisco, and Tokyo, where exiled activists recounted their experiences and honored those who were detained or lost their lives during the protests. Activists reflected on the long-standing grievances against the government, emphasizing that the movement has not only instilled hope among the diaspora but also inspired younger generations of activists in China. The Chinese government’s response, characterized by an aggressive crackdown resulting in mass arrests and censorship, highlights the ongoing repression of civil liberties.
The White Paper Movement, which began in late 2022, was a direct response to strict government policies that mandated extensive lockdowns across China amid the COVID-19 pandemic. These protests erupted after a fire in Urumqi, spurring outrage over the ability of emergency services to respond due to lockdown restrictions. The movement symbolizes a broader struggle for civil rights and freedoms within China, inspiring activists both domestically and among exiled communities globally, reinvigorating discussions about democracy and governance in China.
The commemorations of the White Paper Movement illustrate a significant evolution in the pro-democracy landscape for exiled Chinese activists, fostering solidarity and hope among those advocating for human rights in China. While the Chinese government continues to impose stringent measures to stifle dissent, the persistence and courage displayed by both local and diaspora activists signify a resilient and evolving resistance movement against authoritarian repression.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
