As China Cracks Down on Bookstores, Independent Booksellers Move Abroad
The Chinese government's crackdown on dissent has forced many bookstores to close, prompting some independent booksellers to move their businesses abroad.
In recent years, the Chinese government has tightened its control over the media and publishing industry, and has closed down several bookstores that were seen as critical of the government. This has created a hostile environment for independent booksellers, who are now struggling to survive.
Some independent booksellers have decided to move their businesses abroad, where they can operate more freely.
One of these booksellers is Zhang Ping, who was forced to close his bookstore in Beijing in 2015. Zhang has since moved his business to Taiwan, where he has opened a new bookstore called the Free Word Shop.
Zhang says that he decided to move his business abroad because he wanted to be able to operate freely without fear of government censorship. "I want to be able to sell books that are critical of the Chinese government," Zhang said. "I can't do that in China."
The crackdown on bookstores is part of a broader crackdown on dissent in China.
In recent years, the Chinese government has also cracked down on human rights lawyers, journalists, and academics. This crackdown has created a climate of fear in China, and has made it difficult for people to express their opinions freely.
The crackdown on bookstores is a serious threat to freedom of expression in China.
Bookstores are important places for people to exchange ideas and learn about different perspectives. The closure of bookstores is a sign that the Chinese government is trying to silence dissent.
Here are some of the key points to remember about the crackdown on bookstores in China:
- The Chinese government has closed down several bookstores that were seen as critical of the government.
- This has created a hostile environment for independent booksellers.
- Some independent booksellers have decided to move their businesses abroad.
- The crackdown on bookstores is part of a broader crackdown on dissent in China.
- The crackdown on bookstores is a serious threat to freedom of expression in China.
