Overseas Chinese activists launch global campaign to end CCP rule

Washington/ San Francisco, Aug. 9 (CNA) Overseas Chinese dissidents staged coordinated rallies in major cities worldwide this weekend to urge people in China to unite against authoritarian rule and push for democratization.

Organized by China Action and the Civil Resistance Association, the two-day campaign began Saturday with events in New York, Washington, Los Angeles, San Francisco, London, Berlin, Sydney, Toronto and Tokyo.

At the events, activists unveiled a "Rights for Chinese Citizens" declaration, which also condemns Beijing's military threats toward Taiwan.

In Washington, about 10 activists gathered outside the U.S. Capitol holding banners reading "Stop CCP, Free China" and "Enough is Enough - Throw Him Out."

Lead organizer Yang Zili (楊子立) said the campaign aims to inspire people in China to "rise up" and commit to a clear timeline - within three years - for nationwide resistance to achieve democracy.

The declaration also denounces the CCP's repression of Tibetans and Uyghurs, the dismantling of Hong Kong's freedoms, and intimidation of Taiwan.

Yang stressed opposition to any forced unification with Taiwan, saying Taiwanese people should remain free and avoid the loss of rights seen in Hong Kong.

He said that the campaign is part of a long-term effort to connect with pro-democracy activists in China.

In San Francisco, tens of activists gathered at Torpedo Wharf near the Golden Gate Bridge to read the declaration, deliver speeches and release balloons to symbolize "the CCP floating away."

Speakers in San Francisco, including Tiananmen massacre survivor Fang Zheng (方政) and activist Wang Han (王涵), called for ending one-party rule and urged nonviolent resistance.

Wang warned of the global spread of China's authoritarian model and said a CCP takeover of Taiwan would end the Chinese-speaking world's only democracy, posing a major threat to the free world.

Banners in Chinese and English drew the attention of passersby, with organizers hoping to raise awareness among Americans about the CCP's human rights abuses.