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.
