Recently, a video and images of anti-Communist banners hanging on an overpass in Chengdu, Sichuan, have been circulating on the internet. The individual who hung the banners, referred to as the “Peng Lifa” of Sichuan, was revealed on April 25.
On April 15, a photo surfaced online showing three large banners with white backgrounds and red text hanging from an overpass near the Chadianzi Bus Station in Chengdu, Sichuan. The banners read: “Without political system reform, there is no national rejuvenation,” “The people do not need a party with unchecked power,” and “China does not need someone to dictate directions, democracy is the way.” The banners were clearly visible under the night lights.
According to legal expert Yuan Hongbing, after the banners had been hanging for two hours, a patrol officer noticed them during a routine patrol and reported it to the authorities. Shockingly, instead of immediately instructing the removal of the banners, the authorities requested to preserve the scene as “evidence,” resulting in the banners hanging for an additional 30 to 40 minutes before being taken down. This slow response reflects the sluggish nature of the overall stability maintenance system of the Chinese Communist Party.
At the time, the identity of the individual who hung the banners was unknown. However, on April 25, Du Wen, former director of the Legal Advisory Office of Inner Mongolia Government in Europe, publicly revealed the identity of the banner hanger.
The courageous individual behind the banners is Mei Shilin, a 27-year-old resident of Yongfu Town in Muchuan County, Sichuan.
Du Wen stated that after Mei Shilin hung the banners on the 15th, he sent him a 13-second video and mentioned that he had been preparing for over a year for this act. Mei Shilin expressed his frustration with living as a Chinese citizen and felt the urge to speak out, even at the cost of his life.
Following the incident, Du Wen shared additional photos and Mei Shilin’s identification card with him. Due to safety concerns, Mei Shilin’s identity was not immediately disclosed. Du Wen advised Mei Shilin to leave China quickly and offered assistance to help him escape to a visa-free country, but Mei Shilin chose to remain in China.
Du Wen last contacted Mei Shilin at 11:14 pm Beijing time on April 15 to gather more detailed information for releasing a statement. However, Mei Shilin has been unreachable for over ten days, prompting concerns about his safety. Despite several emails sent by Du Wen, Mei Shilin has yet to respond.
Du Wen, drawing from his experience assisting dissidents, believes Mei Shilin is likely in danger or facing imprisonment. He emphasizes the importance of global attention to potentially safeguard Mei Shilin and prevent any secretive execution or inhumane treatment.
Du Wen expressed deep regret over the situation, noting the tragic bravery displayed by individuals like Mei Shilin, who may have sacrificed their freedom for a greater cause.
Following the public disclosure of Mei Shilin’s identity by Du Wen, a platform called “Yesterday” swiftly shared Mei Shilin’s identification card and photos he sent. The blogger explained that they decided to release the information out of concern for Mei Shilin’s safety. Despite uncertainties, they hoped to boost support for the brave individual.
Mei Shilin has been likened to Sichuan’s “Peng Lifa”.
In October 13, 2022, activist Peng Zaizhou (real name Peng Lifa) hung a banner on the Sihu Tong Bridge in Zhongguancun, Beijing, voicing demands for basic needs over nucleic acid tests, freedom over lockdowns, dignity over lies, reforms over the Cultural Revolution, elections over leadership, and citizenry over servitude. Known as the “Beijing Sihu Tong Bridge Incident,” Peng Zaizhou’s current status remains unknown, but his actions inspired a wave of protests against the oppressive regime.
On June 3, 2023, outside Beijing’s “Bird’s Nest” National Stadium, a woman climbed a tower, waved the American flag, and distributed independence declaration leaflets, earning the title of a heroine following in the footsteps of Peng Zaizhou.
On September 27, 2023, netizens captured photos of a banner with the words “End the imperial system” on a pedestrian overpass in Shijiazhuang.
Before the October 1st National Day in 2023, calls for freedom and democracy appeared in Guangdong and other regions.
On July 30, 2024, university student Fang Yirong hung a banner on a pedestrian bridge in Xinfa County, Loudi, Hunan, echoing the sentiments of the Sihu Tong Bridge incident and sparking a grassroots movement across the mainland. The symbolic gestures of resistance against Communist tyranny continue to gain momentum in China.