Los Angeles Protestors Display 10-Meter Banner in Support of Peng Zaizhou (Peng Lifa) on the I-10 Freeway Bridge in a Chinese Community(Provided by Guo Wei)
October 14, 2024 - On October 13, 2022, Peng Lifa's protest on Beijing’s Sitong Bridge, where he hung banners criticizing the regime, marked a significant moment in the history of resistance in modern China. His act of courage was more than just a personal expression; it symbolized a profound reflection on authoritarian power, social oppression, and personal freedom in China. The messages on Peng's banners conveyed sentiments that hold a historical significance in the current political and social environment of China.
First, Peng’s protest directly challenged China’s extreme COVID-19 prevention policies and its political system. His banner read: "We want food, not nucleic acid tests; freedom, not lockdowns; dignity, not lies; reform, not the Cultural Revolution; votes, not leaders; be citizens, not slaves." These sharp statements highlighted long-standing core issues in Chinese society: the systemic violation of individual rights and social welfare under an authoritarian regime. The extreme measures implemented during the pandemic, although claimed to protect public safety, in reality suffocated normal life and stripped people of their basic freedoms. Peng's phrase "We want food, not nucleic acid tests" directly expressed the people's urgent need to make a living and the suppression of individual lives by relentless COVID-19 controls. This demand represented the silent protest of hundreds of millions of ordinary people, expressing their longing to return to normal life.
Second, Peng’s demand for "reform, not the Cultural Revolution" conveyed a deep desire for historical reflection and political change. China had gone through the catastrophic Cultural Revolution, yet there is still the potential resurgence of such extreme political movements in society. The lack of serious reflection on this dark period has led to stagnation in social change and a regression in the political environment.
Peng Lifa, through the brief but powerful words on his banner, directly challenged the existing political order, calling on people to awaken by comparing history with current realities and demanding reform to replace the rigid authoritarian system. This cry was not only an indictment of past wrongdoings but also a determined pursuit of future reforms.
More importantly, Peng’s call for "votes, not leaders; citizens, not slaves" reflected his deep desire for democracy and civil rights. This appeal was not merely a protest against the personal dictatorship of those in power, but a critique of the entire political system, demanding the establishment of a political structure that respects citizens' rights and implements democratic elections. In China’s increasingly centralized political system, where leadership worship and authoritarianism are becoming more entrenched, Peng’s demand challenges the very roots of this regime. Votes are not only the core symbol of a democratic system, but they also represent the fundamental way for ordinary citizens to participate in public affairs and exercise political rights. His call to "be citizens, not slaves" was a powerful protest against the widespread political apathy and obedience in contemporary Chinese society, urging the people to step out of passive submission and become conscious, autonomous citizens.
The reason Peng Lifa's banner protest resonated so widely and drew significant attention was not just due to his courage, but because he dared to expose the hypocrisy and authoritarianism of the current system. His message touched on core issues in Chinese society, namely the long-standing conflict between individual rights and collectivism, and the contradiction between economic development achievements and the lack of political reform. In the context of an increasingly globalized China, where the public's desire for greater freedom, dignity, and democracy is growing stronger, Peng Lifa's protest symbolizes the eruption of these demands.
From a historical perspective, Peng Lifa’s protest undoubtedly holds profound significance. He represents not only a brave individual but also serves as a voice for countless others who remain silent. Similar acts of resistance have occurred many times in modern Chinese history, and each has been a powerful surge in the tide of history, pushing society toward awakening and progress. Peng Lifa’s protest reminds us that, although authoritarianism and oppression may prevail for a time, the pursuit of freedom, democracy, and dignity is unrelenting.
Peng Lifa’s actions are not just a protest against the current political system but also a reflection on the future direction of China. This hope for change is not his alone; it belongs to every Chinese citizen who yearns for freedom and dignity. His protest on Sitong Bridge may be just the beginning, but it has already left a clear mark in history: the voices of the people must not be ignored, the rights of citizens must not be trampled upon, and the future of China will inevitably move toward a more open, democratic, and just society.
The protest banner on Sitong Bridge will forever be etched in the annals of history, becoming a beacon of awakened civic consciousness in China. Peng Lifa’s voice will undoubtedly transform into a powerful force driving history forward in the years to come.
Editor: Jin Yue
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