Commemorating Liu Xiaobo's 9th Death Anniversary, Wang Dan Criticizes CCP as Ugly Inside and Out

Nine years after the death of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Liu Xiaobo, Chinese democracy activist Wang Dan has penned a tribute, dissecting the Chinese Communist Party's fear of Liu's historical impact. Wang noted Liu's unique and rare qualities: a "passionate enthusiasm" and a pursuit of freedom rooted in "aesthetics." He contrasted Liu with many contemporary Chinese intellectuals who, Wang suggested, are often too rational and lack passion, carefully packaging themselves and rarely daring to be overtly enthusiastic.

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Compared to many Chinese intellectuals who have compromised with the system today, Liu Xiaobo possessed two unique and rare spiritual qualities: passionate enthusiasm and the pursuit of freedom from an aesthetic perspective.

Liu, who pursued a doctorate in aesthetics at Beijing Normal University, focused his dissertation on "Aesthetics and Freedom." Wang explained that Liu keenly observed that those who appreciate beauty naturally gravitate towards valuing freedom. He argued that humanist intellectuals often form the backbone of liberal movements because their professional needs demand freedom for development. This pursuit, stemming from an appreciation of beauty and humanity, makes them difficult for authorities to tame. Wang asserted that while external freedom can be stripped away, it only intensifies an individual's internal freedom and their cherished desire for external liberty.

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A person who pursues beauty will inevitably tend to cherish freedom.

Wang sharply criticized the Chinese Communist Party, describing it not only as tyrannical and deceitful but also profoundly ugly, both internally and externally. He suggested that viewing the Party through an aesthetic lens might resonate more with people. This perspective, Wang believes, is a crucial reason to remember Liu Xiaobo on the ninth anniversary of his passing.

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The Chinese Communist Party, as a totalitarian monster, has characteristics that are not only tyrannical and deceitful, but also very ugly, unacceptable from an aesthetic standpoint, both internally and externally.