Part 5/9:
Seeking Democracy: The Courage of Activists
The activism seen in Chengdu was not an isolated incident. The individual behind the banners, Mille Shinglin, exemplified the passionate desire for change, taking significant risks to make his voice heard. With a year of preparation culminated in his bold declaration, he has since disappeared—a stark reminder of the suppression faced by activists in authoritarian regimes.
His sentiments resonate with many young people, who openly criticize government handling of the economy, particularly in the context of rising food prices, unemployment, and the ongoing effects of the U.S.-China trade war. This fight for "national sovereignty" is perceived by the youth as abstract while their immediate needs go unaddressed.