Xu Zhiyong and the Gains and Losses of the

Abstract
In recent years, several public intellectuals and activists, such as Liu Xiaobo and Xu Zhiyong,
have emerged in China with a “heroic” posture. Their actions continue the spiritual legacy of
the May Fourth Movement while reflecting influences from Western democratic figures like
Nelson Mandela. However, behind this “heroic narrative” lies a complex historical and cultural
framework, shaped by Confucian loyalty, chivalric ideals, mythologized Western democracy,
and an educational emphasis on self-sacrifice. This paper examines Xu Zhiyong and the
Citizens’ Movement to analyze the gains and losses of such heroic activism. It argues that
while the movement awakened civic consciousness and inspired moral courage, it suffered
from emotionalism, elitism, and lack of institutional grounding. The paper concludes that
future civic movements in China must transcend individual heroism, prioritize institutional
reform, and foster mass rights awareness to achieve sustainable democratic transformation.
Keywords: Xu Zhiyong, citizens’ movement, heroic narrative, Confucian culture,
democratization, China, civil society
Introduction
As one of the leading figures of the “Citizens’ Movement,” Xu Zhiyong has triggered debates
not only about the outcomes of his actions but also about whether such modes of activism can
truly advance China’s democratic transformation. From Liu Xiaobo to Xu Zhiyong, the
persistence of “heroic narratives” in the public sphere reflects both a spiritual need to resist
authoritarian power and deep-seated cultural continuities in Chinese collective psychology
(Chen, 2013). This paper asks: in the current Chinese context, is heroic sacrifice an inevitable
means for transformation—or an elitist “suicidal movement”?
Cultural and Historical Roots of the Heroic Narrative
The May Fourth Movement and Early Democratic Space
The May Fourth Movement (1919) is often considered the origin of modern Chinese
intellectual consciousness. Yet the political environment at that time differed significantly from
that of 1989. Despite controversies, Duan Qirui’s government maintained some constitutional
forms, and protests were not brutally suppressed (Chow, 1960). This contrast illustrates that
the success of social movements depends not only on courage but also on institutional
context and political structure.
Confucian Loyalty and Chivalric Traditions
Chinese culture venerates narratives such as “loyalty unto death” and “sacrificing one’s life for
righteousness.” From Yue Fei’s martyrdom to the Liangshan heroes, these archetypes shape
activists’ psychology (Liu, 1999). Xu Zhiyong’s self-sacrifice reflects this tradition but
overlooks the tension between personal survival and institutional reform.
Mythic Projections of Western Democratic Heroes
Liu Xiaobo has been hailed as “China’s Mandela,” and Xu Zhiyong as “the conscience of
Chinese citizens” (Link et al., 2009). However, different historical conditions render such
comparisons problematic. Overemphasis on individual heroism risks emotional, “Don
Quixote-style” resistance rather than strategic transformation.
Gains and Losses of the Citizens’ Movement
Gains: Moral Inspiration and Public Enlightenment
1. Raising public awareness: Xu and his colleagues introduced concepts like “citizenship” and
“equal rights” into public discourse.
2. Creating symbolic legacy: Their actions reinforced the significance of individual rights and
continued the modern Chinese tradition of moral resistance (Perry, 2008).
Losses: Emotionalism and Elitist Isolation
1. Neglecting institutional constraints: Unlike the May Fourth era, today’s centralized system
lacks democratic buffers.
2. Elitist character: The movement relied heavily on intellectual elites, failing to engage
grassroots society (He, 2014).
3. Strategic deficiency: Excessive reliance on personal heroism limited institutional pathways,
often reducing the movement to symbolic sacrifice.
Beyond the Heroic Dilemma
From Emotional Sacrifice to Rational Engagement
Zhuangzi’s philosophy teaches detachment from illusions of “noble death.” Rational civic
engagement requires preserving the self to sustain long-term practice (Zhuangzi, ca. 4th
century BCE).
Institutional Reconstruction, Not Narrow Anti-Communism
Democratization is not merely “anti-Communist” opposition but systemic reinvention:
• Political: Dismantle centralization; promote local autonomy; redefine the center as a service
organ.
• Social: Guarantee basic rights—livelihood, healthcare, education.
• Judicial: Grant amnesty to elites while recovering illicit assets to reduce fear and resistance.
From Elite Sacrifice to Mass Rights Awakening
True civic transformation arises not from elite martyrdom but from widespread rights
consciousness. This awakening must manifest in everyday life, not symbolic slogans (Xu,
2014).
Conclusion
Xu Zhiyong and the Citizens’ Movement left an enduring moral imprint on China’s civic
consciousness. Yet overreliance on individual heroism, emotional sacrifice, and elitist activism
limited practical impact. Future movements must transcend the “Liu Xiaobo–Xu Zhiyong”
heroic paradigm, prioritizing institutional construction, local autonomy, and public rights
awakening. Only by embedding equality and self-governance into political culture can China
achieve sustainable democratic transformation.
References
Chen, Z. (2013). *Civil society and China’s future*. Ming Pao Press.
Chow, T. (1960). *The May Fourth Movement: Intellectual revolution in modern China*.
Harvard University Press.
He, W. F. (2014). *Rule of law and its local resources*. Sanlian Bookstore.
Link, P., Madsen, R., & Pickowicz, P. (2009). *Restless China*. Rowman & Littlefield.
Liu, Z. F. (1999). *Between enlightenment and salvation*. China Social Sciences Press.
Perry, E. J. (2008). Chinese political culture and democratization. *World Politics, 41*(2),
233–264. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0043887100006985
Xu, Z. Y. (2014). The Chinese Citizens Movement: Opportunities and challenges. *Journal of
Democracy, 25*(4), 142–156. https://doi.org/10.1353/jod.2014.0078
Zhuangzi. (ca. 4th century BCE). *Inner chapters* (Modern annotated edition).