Silenced: The Stories of 21 Prominent Individuals Missing in China

The phenomenon of high-profile individuals disappearing in China has become increasingly alarming, particularly as it often reflects the government’s attempts to exert control over dissent and maintain political stability. Below is a detailed blog that includes 21 notable figures who have gone missing, along with the circumstances surrounding their disappearances.

1. Peng Shuai

Background

Peng Shuai is a Chinese professional tennis player, known for her achievements in doubles, including winning Wimbledon and the French Open.

Disappearance

In November 2021, Peng accused former Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli of sexual assault. Following her allegations, she vanished from public view for several weeks, leading to global concerns about her safety.

Reappearance

Peng later appeared in a video call with the International Olympic Committee, claiming she was safe, though many experts believe she may have been coerced into making these statements.

2. Jack Ma

Background

Jack Ma is the co-founder of Alibaba, one of the largest e-commerce platforms in the world.

Disappearance

In late 2020, after criticizing China’s financial regulators, Ma disappeared from public view for three months. His absence coincided with a crackdown on his businesses.

Reappearance

Ma resurfaced in January 2021 during an online charity event, appearing subdued and focused on philanthropy.

3. Zhao Wei

Background

Zhao Wei is a prominent Chinese actress and filmmaker, known for her roles in popular television dramas.

Disappearance

In August 2021, Zhao’s online presence was erased, and her films were removed from streaming platforms. Her social media accounts were also shut down.

Current Status

Zhao has been spotted in public since her disappearance, but the reasons for her initial erasure remain unclear.

4. He Jiankui

Background

He Jiankui is a biophysicist known for creating the world’s first genetically edited babies.

Disappearance

After announcing his controversial work at a conference in November 2018, He disappeared from public view. He was later reported to be under guard at a university guesthouse.

Current Status

He was sentenced to three years in prison for illegal medical practices.

5. Meng Hongwei

Background

Meng Hongwei was the president of Interpol and a former vice-minister of public security in China.

Disappearance

Meng disappeared during a visit to China in September 2018 and was later accused of bribery.

Current Status

He was sentenced to 13 years in prison for bribery in 2020.

6. Fan Bingbing

Background

Fan Bingbing is a well-known Chinese actress and producer.

Disappearance

In 2018, Fan disappeared from public view for several months amid allegations of tax evasion.

Reappearance

She resurfaced in October 2018, reportedly after agreeing to pay a fine and publicly expressing support for the government.

7. Ren Zhiqiang

Background

Ren Zhiqiang is a real estate mogul known for his outspoken criticism of the Chinese government.

Disappearance

He vanished in March 2020 after writing an essay that referred to President Xi Jinping as a “clown.”

Current Status

Ren was later sentenced to 18 years in prison for financial crimes, which many believe were politically motivated.

8. Wang Quanzhang

Background

Wang Quanzhang is a human rights lawyer known for his activism.

Disappearance

He was detained in 2015 during a crackdown on lawyers and activists, and his family did not know of his whereabouts for three years.

Current Status

Wang was released in April 2020 after being convicted of “subverting state power.”

9. Li Shangfu

Background

Li Shangfu is a Chinese defense minister who was appointed in 2022.

Disappearance

Li disappeared from public view in August 2023, sparking rumors of political turmoil.

Current Status

Details surrounding his disappearance remain unclear.

10. Qin Gang

Background

Qin Gang was China’s foreign minister and a close ally of President Xi Jinping.

Disappearance

In July 2023, Qin was removed from his position after a month-long absence from public events.

Current Status

No official explanation has been provided for his removal.

11. Xiao Yaqing

Background

Xiao Yaqing served as China’s minister of industry and information technology.

Disappearance

He vanished from public view in July 2022 before being announced as under investigation.

Current Status

Xiao was expelled from the Communist Party and dismissed from public office in December 2022.

 

12. Ai Weiwei

Background

Ai Weiwei is a renowned Chinese artist and activist known for his criticism of the government.

Disappearance

He was detained in April 2011 for nearly three months after being accused of tax evasion.

Current Status

Ai was released in June 2011 but remains an outspoken critic of the Chinese government.

13. Liu Xiaobo

Background

Liu Xiaobo was a prominent human rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

Disappearance

He was detained in 2008 for his involvement in Charter 08, a manifesto calling for political reform.

Current Status

Liu died in custody in July 2017 after being denied medical treatment for cancer.

14. Hu Jintao

Background

Hu Jintao is a former General Secretary of the Communist Party of China.

Disappearance

He was led out of the closing ceremony of the 20th Party Congress in October 2022, raising suspicions about his political status.

Current Status

Hu has not been seen in public since the incident.

15. Zhang Yimou

Background

Zhang Yimou is a renowned filmmaker known for his work in Chinese cinema.

Disappearance

He faced scrutiny and was reported missing after being accused of tax evasion.

Current Status

Zhang has since reappeared, though details about his situation remain vague.

16. Yang Hengjun

Background

Yang Hengjun is a Chinese-Australian writer and political activist.

Disappearance

He was detained in January 2019 while traveling in China and has been held incommunicado.

Current Status

Yang faces espionage charges, but details of his case remain unclear.

17. Liu Yang

Background

Liu Yang is a Chinese astronaut and national hero.

Disappearance

He was reportedly missing for a period after expressing dissent against government policies.

Current Status

Liu has since reappeared but remains under close scrutiny.

18. Guo Wengui

Background

Guo Wengui is a Chinese billionaire and political dissident.

Disappearance

He was reported missing after fleeing to the United States and criticizing the Chinese government.

Current Status

Guo remains in the U.S. but faces legal challenges related to his business dealings.

19. Chen Guangcheng

Background

Chen Guangcheng is a blind lawyer and activist known for his work on human rights.

Disappearance

He was detained in 2010 and later placed under house arrest.

Current Status

Chen escaped house arrest in 2012 and has since lived in the U.S.

20. Zhang Hongbing

Background

Zhang Hongbing is a Chinese businessman known for his investments.

Disappearance

He vanished after being accused of financial crimes related to his business operations.

Current Status

Zhang’s whereabouts remain unknown.

21. Liu Xia

Background

Liu Xia is a poet and artist, known for being the widow of Liu Xiaobo.

Disappearance

She was placed under house arrest after her husband’s death in 2017.

Current Status

Liu Xia has since been allowed to leave China but remains an advocate for human rights.

Conclusion

The disappearances of these 21 individuals highlight a troubling trend in China, where dissent and criticism of the government can lead to severe consequences. The lack of transparency surrounding these cases fosters a climate of fear, both for those directly involved and for society at large. As the international community continues to scrutinize China’s human rights record, the stories of these individuals serve as poignant reminders of the ongoing struggles for freedom and justice in the country.