‘Dissidents’: Chinese in the US Fight for Their Country

A homeless asylum seeker protests outside the Chinese embassy for redress, in the documentary "The Dissidents." C35 Films Production

NR | 1h 15m | Documentary | 2024

Viewers of this new documentary don’t have to take on faith the word of Chinese dissidents when they describe the harassment they have endured on American soil from agents of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) regime. The skeptical can read the resulting federal indictments.

As of Aug. 6, skeptics can also take a look at Wang Shujun’s conviction. Wang was charged as a foreign agent, feeding information on the reformist Democracy Party of China (DPC) back to Beijing. That case hits close to home for Wang Juntao, an organizer of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests; Wang founded the DPC while in exile. Consequently, director Yi Chen noted her film’s closing titles need to be updated with this breaking news, following a recent screening.

Unfortunately, Wang and fellow exiles, artist Chen Weiming and a homeless asylum seeker, still face systematic surveillance and intimidation, as Yi Chen thoroughly documents in “Dissidents,” which premiered in New York City at the 2024 Asian American International Film Festival.

Harassment and Persecution

During the post-screening Q&A, Yi requested audience members to not reveal her fellow panelists on social media. Her general concerns for the safety of those involved with the film are merited. Nevertheless, Weiming Chen and Juntao Wang are public figures, whose activism and dangerous encounters with CCP agents have been nationally reported. On the other hand, the name of Matthew Ziburis, a former Florida prison guard, should become synonymous with treason. Ziburis was federally charged for acting as a CCP agent targeting Chen (the artist).

Juntao Wang, now in exile from China, founded the Democratic Party of China. C35 Films Production

CCP agents, allegedly like Ziburis, would be best advised to steer clear of Chen, especially since the artist’s sculpture “CCP Virus” was maliciously destroyed in 2022, presumably by CCP arsonists. Since then, Chen moved to the Mojave Desert and built the private Liberty Sculpture Park, which he patrols with firearms and his two dogs, named “Freedom” and “Fighter.” Chen makes a point of regularly exercising his newfound freedoms to vote and bear arms in America, rights that the CCP expressly denies the Chinese people.

In contrast, it’s hard to imagine a more vulnerable dissident than the asylum seeker, who defiantly pitches her tent across from the Chinese Embassy in Washington. She started the deliberately arduous formal process to petition the communist regime for redress 10 years ago. She began after the state confiscated her family home and turned it over to a private developer without any compensation or due process. She continues her quixotic quest for justice in America, even though her remaining family members in China have largely renounced her. For her efforts, the U.S. federal government put her on trial, alleging that she interfered with a visiting Chinese dignitary’s protective detail.

Juntao Wang outside an airport upon arriving in the United States. Photo courtesy of C35 Film Productions

Law Enforcement?

Several law enforcement agencies need to answer some tough questions based on the conduct recorded in “Dissidents.” It appears that the Washington police are just as eager as the Chinese Embassy to remove the poor asylum seeker’s protest site. Even more troubling, the New York Police Department (or at least the imposing plain clothes officer in charge) seems to openly side against Wang Juntao and his fellow DPC protesters when they endure violent clashes with CCP counterdemonstrators in the streets of New York City. Despite identifying their assailants and filing complaints, no charges were levied against the known CCP sympathizers.

Sculptor Weiming Chen watches over a sculpture park in the Mohave Desert. C35 Films Productions

It will be tough for CCP defenders to spin the events Yi and her crew witnessed in New York City and Washington. Clearly, the CCP operates extraterritorially, within the United States’ legal jurisdiction. Active court cases back up such claims.

“Dissidents” shines a spotlight on the courage and decency of the titular activists. They’re exiles by necessity because they’re compelled to fight for what’s right. Perhaps the most heartbreaking example is the homeless asylum seeker, who has given up any hope of a real life in her noble longshot pursuit of justice. In a way, Wang Juntao personifies similar long-term persistence, trying to build a political foundation that could eventually facilitate a more democratic China, once the current regime finally falls.

Yi nicely balances the film among her focal subjects. All three are very different personality types, which provides a highly watchable contrast. The film also makes a good-faith effort to be nonpartisan, incorporating relevant commentary from Republican Congressman Chris Smith (R-N.J.) and Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), both of whom are consistent critics of CCP human rights abuses.

Poster for "Dissidents." C35 Films Production

“Dissidents” is a timely film, given the recent conviction of Wang Shujun, the convicted CCP spy who betrayed Wang Juntao and his fellow DPC members. The aggressive tactics used against CCP critics abroad ought to be an international scandal.

There is inspiration to be found in this documentary. But it also delivers an urgent wake-up call, warning Western democracies, which are already embroiled in a not-so-cold war, whether we like it or not.

Highly recommended as an exposé and three profiles-in-courage, “Dissidents” deserves to screen widely after its New York festival premiere.

“Dissidents” screened at AAIFF on Aug. 10.

‘Dissidents’ Director: Yi Chen Starring: Chen Weiming, Wang Juntao  Not Rated Running Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes Release Date: Aug. 10, 2024 Rated:  4 1/2 stars out of 5

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