Reflecting on the Legacy of Chinese Nobel Laureate Liu Xiaobo

Remembering Chinese Nobel Laureate Liu Xiaobo: Six Years Since His Death

Tomorrow marks the sixth anniversary of the death of Chinese Nobel Peace laureate Liu Xiaobo. Liu, a prominent Chinese literary critic and leader in the 1989 pro-democracy Tiananmen Square protests, passed away on July 13, 2017, from complications of liver cancer. While he was in the hospital, he was guarded by state security forces, a symbol of the repressive tactics employed by the Chinese government.

A Courageous Advocate for Human Rights

Liu Xiaobo was known for his peaceful criticism of the Chinese government and his commitment to promoting human rights across China. Throughout his life, he faced relentless persecution and was imprisoned three times for his activism. In 2009, he was sentenced to 11 years in prison on charges of “inciting subversion” for his involvement in drafting Charter 08, a pro-democracy manifesto.

Resilience in the Face of Persecution

Despite the imprisonment and persecution, Liu Xiaobo remained steadfast in his beliefs and wrote, “there is no force that can put an end to the human quest for freedom, and China will in the end become a nation ruled by law, where human rights reign supreme.” His words continue to resonate with activists and ordinary citizens in China.

In the years since Liu’s death, Chinese activists and ordinary citizens have time and again proven their commitment to advancing human rights. In 2019 and 2020, millions of people in Hong Kong took to the streets to peacefully protest against efforts to weaken the rule of law. Human rights lawyers have tirelessly worked to advocate for freedom of expression and association through the legal system.

Even in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in arbitrary lockdowns under Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s “zero-Covid” policy, spontaneous protests erupted across China and within Chinese diaspora communities around the world. These protests called for an end to harmful restrictions and demanded greater accountability from the government.

Additionally, various marginalized groups, such as Tibetans, Mongolians, and feminists, have also been actively challenging issues such as the removal of mother-tongue education from schools, sexual harassment, domestic violence, and workplace discrimination.

The Tiananmen Mothers, a group of parents who lost their children in the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre, continue to commemorate the anniversary of the tragedy every June 4. Their resilience stands as a powerful reminder of the need to remember and seek justice for those who have suffered under China’s repressive regime.

Increased Repression and the Need for Change

Chinese authorities have responded to this activism with greater repression, using fear and cruelty to silence any challenges to their rule. Liu Xiaobo warned that such tactics would only prolong resistance and argued for an environment in which all political views could be freely expressed without fear of persecution.

Beijing would do well to heed Liu’s advice and create a society where “every citizen can state political views without fear, and where no one can under any circumstances suffer political persecution for voicing divergent political views.”

Editorial: Reflecting on Liu Xiaobo’s Legacy

Liu Xiaobo’s courage and unwavering commitment to human rights serve as an inspiration to people around the world. His legacy is a testament to the power of individuals to challenge oppressive regimes and fight for freedom and justice.

However, his death and the continued repression in China highlight the urgent need for international solidarity and action. The international community must hold China accountable for its human rights abuses and advocate for the release of political prisoners. Governments, non-governmental organizations, and individuals must continue to shine a light on the Chinese government’s repressive tactics and work together to promote freedom and human rights in China.

Advice for Activists and Supporters

To activists and supporters of human rights in China, it is essential to stay resilient and continue the fight for justice. The road may be long and filled with obstacles, but it is through collective action and unwavering determination that change can be achieved.

Here are a few suggestions for individuals and organizations committed to promoting human rights in China:

1. Raise Awareness

Use social media platforms, organize events, and engage with local and international media to raise awareness about human rights abuses in China. Public awareness is crucial in putting pressure on the Chinese government and garnering support for those who are fighting for justice.

2. Support Human Rights Organizations

Donate to and support organizations that are working on the ground to promote human rights in China. These organizations provide crucial support to activists, offer legal aid, and document human rights violations.

3. Lobby Governments

Reach out to your local representatives and human rights organizations to advocate for stronger international pressure on the Chinese government. Lobby for the release of political prisoners and the implementation of policies that promote human rights and freedom of expression.

4. Coordinate International Efforts

Coordinate with other activists and organizations working on human rights in China to share information, strategies, and resources. Collaboration and solidarity are key to challenging the Chinese government’s repressive tactics effectively.

5. Support Chinese Dissidents

Stand in solidarity with Chinese dissidents and political prisoners by writing letters of support, raising awareness about their cases, and advocating for their release. Let them know that they are not alone in their fight for justice.

Remembering Liu Xiaobo and the countless other individuals who have dedicated their lives to advocating for human rights in China is a reminder of the ongoing struggle for freedom and justice in the country. The fight may be challenging, but it is a fight worth pursuing.

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