Global Act of Defiance: Activists Rally Against Authoritarianism

This past weekend, overseas Chinese activists staged coordinated demonstrations in major cities worldwide, urging citizens in China to unite against authoritarian leadership and advocate for democratic reforms. This international campaign was reported by the Central News Agency (CNA) as an initiative by China Action and the Civil Resistance Association.

The two-day event commenced on Saturday with rallies in New York, Washington, Los Angeles, San Francisco, London, Berlin, Sydney, Toronto, and Tokyo. Participants presented a 'Rights for Chinese Citizens' declaration, which also condemns Beijing's military threats towards Taiwan. The campaign's lead organiser, Yang Zili, emphasized the goal of encouraging Chinese citizens to 'rise' within three years to champion democracy.

In Washington, a group of activists convened outside the US Capitol, wielding banners reading 'Stop CCP, Free China.' Highlighting key criticisms, the declaration addressed the CCP's oppression of Tibetans and Uyghurs, Hong Kong's diminishing freedoms, and Taiwanese threats. Yang also rejected any forced unification with Taiwan, stressing the importance of safeguarding Taiwanese freedoms.

In San Francisco, activists assembled near the Golden Gate Bridge, reciting the declaration, delivering speeches, and releasing balloons symbolizing the CCP 'drifting away.' Speakers, including Tiananmen survivor Fang Zheng and activist Wang Han, advocated for ending one-party rule and promoting nonviolent resistance.

Wang also warned of China's authoritarian model's global influence, noting the risk it poses if Taiwan fell to the CCP, eliminating a vital democratic presence. Banners in English and Chinese attracted attention, as organisers sought to raise awareness of the CCP's human rights violations among Americans, according to the CNA report.

(With inputs from agencies.)