Chinese youth, along with representatives from Taiwan, Hong Kong, and the Uyghur and Tibetan communities, gathered outside the United Nations headquarters to protest the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) aggression and oppression. They displayed materials advocating for Taiwan’s inclusion in the UN and highlighting the forced labor conditions faced by Uyghurs. Hsu Po-cheng, a representative from Taiwan, gave a powerful speech during the event.
Earlier this month, organizing bodies such as “Chinese Students and Scholars Against CCP” (CSRC) and “New York Democracy Wall” hosted a series of events in New York aimed at resisting the CCP’s National Day celebrations. These included a memorial service at the Wei Lianliang commemorative bench in Central Park and a protest outside the UN headquarters.
The organizers emphasized that these events have a dual purpose: to express dissent against the oppressive regime back home and to connect dissidents abroad who might feel isolated due to their political circumstances. Their goal is to empower one another and foster healing. The protests extended far beyond New York, with over ten events held globally.
Juin, a leader from CSRC, noted that for scattered communities living under tyranny, regular protests, gatherings, and memorials are essential for rebuilding public life and culture. With the CCP’s ongoing influence and cross-border repression, participants often feel lonely and powerless, making collaborative public activities crucial for solidarity and mutual empowerment.
Ken, a participant, added that many young Chinese students in the U.S. carry trauma from their home country, and face pressures related to their immigration status and families back home. Participation in these activities goes beyond mere opposition; it becomes a spiritual rallying cry where they can envision a brighter future for themselves and their homeland currently under CCP’s authoritarian rule.
The efforts of these Chinese youth garnered widespread support from Taiwanese, Hong Kong, Uyghur, and Tibetan groups. Human rights advocate Ma Ju emphasized that in today’s China, not only Uyghurs and Tibetans suffer severe treatment—Han Chinese also fall victim to political violence. He called for solidarity across ethnic groups in this struggle. Hsu Po-cheng of the “Keep Taiwan Free” movement commended the courage of young Chinese activists standing up for themselves and all communities persecuted by the CCP, expressing his gratitude for their solidarity: “We may not be able to do much, but standing with them is the least we can do.”
