Sculpture Honors Survivors, Victims of CCP’s Persecution on Human Rights Day

Chinese sculptor Chen Weiming unveils his new artwork in Liberty Sculpture Park in Yermo, Calif., on Dec. 10, 2023. Courtesy of Chen Weiming

A monument to commemorate a significant event known as the “great escape to Hong Kong” (1950s–70s) was unveiled on Human Rights Day on Dec. 10. The sculptor wanted to honor the survivors who fled communist China during the Cultural Revolution and remind the international community that true freedom remains elusive under the rule of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

The Great Escape Monument was created by artist and human rights activist Chen Weiming and took over two years to complete.

It was unveiled at the Liberty Sculpture Park in Yermo, California, on Sunday at an event organized by HK Seapine Art Center, a California-based nonprofit organization, and co-hosted by Liberty Sculpture Park and Hong Kong Forum.

Mr. Chen told the Chinese language edition of The Epoch Times on Dec. 9 that the sculpture commemorates the countless individuals, known as “freedom swimmers,” who fled mainland China and sacrificed their lives seeking freedom in Hong Kong during the CCP’s repressive political movement—the Cultural Revolution—from the 1950s to the late 1970s. Labeled as “class enemies” by the Chinese regime, it is reported that 2.5 million people fled the mainland during that period.

The sculpture also represents those who left Hong Kong following Beijing’s implementation of the national security law in 2020. The law empowers the CCP to criminalize any form of dissent and adopt broad definitions for crimes such as terrorism, subversion, secession, and collusion with foreign powers. It also allows the regime to establish a security force in Hong Kong to punish critics and suppress dissenters.

‘May You Find Eternal Peace’

Mr. Chen was pleased that his sculpture was showcased on Human Rights Day.

The artist explained the meaning behind his work: Driven by unbearable conditions under the CCP’s rule during the Cultural Revolution, the Anti-Rightist Campaign (1957–1959), the Great Leap Forward (1958–1962), and the widespread famine in the 1960s, millions of Chinese sought sanctuary in Hong Kong, giving rise to a historical exodus spanning two decades.

“This unfolding narrative reflects the dire human rights situation for the Chinese people under the authoritarian rule of the CCP,” said Mr. Chen.

Engraved on the monument are the words: To the souls still roaming in the sky and over the land, come to this far corner of the Earth where you can rest; may you find eternal peace on this land of freedom.”

Mr. Chen said that he began working on his sculpture in July 2021. During the process, he injured his leg and got more than 20 stitches. Nevertheless, he said the sacrifice was worth it.

Regarding the artwork, the artist explained: “The massive wave on the upper section of the sculpture may appear simple, but its construction is exceptionally intricate. Supporting it requires a complex arrangement of densely packed steel bars, presenting a formidable challenge.

“The sculpture’s base conveys five stories, each depicting real events faced by those embarking on the dangerous journey. These events include encounters with sharks and being shot by authorities during sea crossings.”

Escapees reportedly took three routes: scaling Wutong Mountain, where they had to navigate through barbed wire; traversing Deep Bay, which was heavily guarded, with border guards firing at escapees on boats; and journeying from Dai Pan Bay to the shore of Tung Ping Chau, known for high tides and strong winds.

Among the stories portrayed by Mr. Chen was that of a young child, Ye Xiaoming, who was lifted high by his mother to reach the top of a tree branch. Tragically, the mother became trapped between branches and drowned. According to the Chinese language edition of Epoch Weekly, “decades have passed, and his [Ye Xiaoming] business and life were very good, but he regretted that he forever lost his mother.”

The Great Escape Monument under construction in 2021. Courtesy of Liberty Sculpture Park

He said the “freedom swimmers” risked their lives and faced huge obstacles in their quest for democracy and freedom. With the Hong Kong version of China’s national security law in effect for three years, he added that it’s disheartening to see Hong Kong succumb as well.

“The long arm of the Chinese Communist Party may still reach them. True human rights for the Chinese people can only be achieved through the overthrow of the CCP.”

Transnational Repression

“The CCP’s violation of human rights goes beyond its domestic sphere,” Mr. Chen said. ”Its assault on human rights manifests through the orchestration of extensive violent attacks against protesters, even on foreign soil.”

During the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in San Francisco last month, Mr. Chen drove from Los Angeles to San Francisco with his previous creation, the Statue of the Goddess of Democracy, to join the pro-democracy protesters outside the conference venue during Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s visit.

Liberty Goddess Statue by Chen Weiming. Courtesy of Liberty Sculpture Park

With a megaphone, he shouted in Chinese and English: “We demand freedom! We demand democracy! Xi Jinping must resign! Xi Jinping is a dictator!”

At the scene, Mr. Chen saw a protester from the Chinese Democratic Party (CDP) lying on the ground with his face covered in blood. However, the police didn’t provide assistance until Mr. Chen informed them that the man was severely wounded and urgently required an ambulance.

According to the CDP chairperson, another member of the CDP had his phone forcibly taken by one of the pro-CCP assailants. Using the tracking features on his phone, it was located in Hong Kong, indicating that the assailant may have returned to the city.

Mr. Chen suspects that the CCP sent people to the summit and that there is a connection between California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s trip to China ahead of the APEC meetings and the “inadequate measures” taken by the police in addressing violence against pro-democracy and human rights activists.

He said that more than 20 human rights organizations issued an open letter to President Joe Biden regarding the physical attacks from pro-CCP protesters during APEC.

On Nov. 28, a congressional commission issued a statement, saying they are “outraged by videos showing harassment and assault against human rights advocates” and the Chinese regime’s “ongoing human rights abuses” in San Francisco.

“The constitutionally-protected right to peacefully protest must be respected, and law enforcement must step in where peaceful protestors are met with violence,” the lawmakers wrote.

Shawn Ma, Xu Manyuan and Yu Yuan contributed to this report.