📜 Founder’s Letter

Seeking Justice for the Victims of the “Shanghai Massacre,” the “April 15 Busan Air Disaster,” and the “May 7 Dalian Air Disaster”

Dear Friend,

Warm greetings.

As we navigate the hopeful year of 2025, may the ravages of war cease and peace prevail across the globe. May our nations flourish, refugees find safe homes. May viruses be driven away and health triumph over illness. I also hope that this year we may finally achieve justice for the victims of the "Shanghai Massacre," the "April 15 Busan Air Disaster," and the "May 7 Dalian Air Disaster."

The Shanghai Massacre remains a tragedy emblematic of a turbulent era. In 1977, following the end of China's decade-long Cultural Revolution, universities reopened and the national college entrance examination resumed for the first time since 1965. Foreign experts were invited to assist in rebuilding the education system. I was among those who sat for the historic and fiercely competitive exam on November 7, 1977, and was fortunate to be admitted to Shanghai Normal University.

However, I was not able to enjoy this achievement. I became the target of persecution by Chinese Communist Party agents, who falsely accused me of being a foreign spy. Their suspicion stemmed from my frequent advocacy for democratic ideals in the media, my calls for freedom and justice, and my efforts to promote political and economic reforms. I even partnered with businesses in Shanghai to conduct experimental democratic initiatives.

In addition to majoring in Chinese language and literature, I had a deep interest in foreign languages and translation. I translated foreign books and articles, and regularly engaged in discussions on translation with foreign experts. Under the pretext of investigating suspected foreign espionage, the authorities launched a brutal campaign of persecution. Many innocent people were killed, including my parents, wife, younger brother, mentors, classmates, students, relatives, friends, and business partners.

The tragedy extended far beyond Shanghai. Among the victims were 112 people, including my partner, who were aboard Flight CJ6136 en route from Beijing to Dalian, which was destroyed in a bombing carried out by state security agents. Another 129 lives were lost in the crash of Flight CA129 from Beijing to Busan, which was also the result of sabotage orchestrated by the Chinese Communist Party.

On this day of remembrance and reflection, I humbly appeal for your support—to help clear the names of those falsely accused in the Shanghai Normal University Espionage Case, and to seek justice for the victims of the Busan and Dalian air disasters. These lost souls deserve peace. Their families deserve truth, apologies, and compensation that have long been denied.

I make a special plea on behalf of Mr. Zhang Pilin, who has been wrongfully labeled a terrorist by the Chinese Communist Party. His family has suffered profound psychological trauma and irreparable damage to their reputation. Journalists Li Yuxiao and Lu Rong of Southern Weekly interviewed Mr. Zhang’s wife—a fellow graduate of the prestigious Nanjing University—and his younger brother, Zhang Piming, after the state accused Mr. Zhang of setting fire to Flight CJ6136. When the family sought clarification from the authorities, the official response was chilling:

1.      This case is exceptional.

2.      We will forward your request and notify you if we receive a reply.

Mr. Zhang Pilin’s parents raised three sons, welcomed three daughters-in-law, and were blessed with grandchildren. He and his wife had a seven-year-old son. Their entire world was shattered by state-sponsored falsehoods.

For years, I have campaigned tirelessly to hold the perpetrators accountable, to obtain public apologies, and to secure national compensation. Yet my resources are limited. I now turn to you and to all people of conscience to help achieve these goals.

This is not merely a call for compensation—it is a call for truth, justice, and basic human dignity. It is about restoring honor to grieving families, correcting the historical record, and holding those in power accountable.

History has shown that justice is never automatic; it must be pursued with unwavering determination. The CCP's recent history includes several notorious wrongful “spy” cases, which were only overturned after decades of relentless advocacy and suffering:

1.      The Xu Qiuying Spy Case, which claimed 7 lives and implicated hundreds;

2.      The Chen Bo & Chen Kun International Spy Case, in which both accused died in prison and over 1,000 were affected;

3.      The Revival Party Uprising Case, which resulted in the massacre of 126 innocent landlords and capitalists, and the wrongful arrest of 1,318 more.

In light of this, we will continue our steadfast pursuit of justice—for our loved ones and for the victims of both air disasters. Without truth and accountability, the dead cannot rest in peace, and the living will continue to carry the heavy burden of unjust blame.

Justice may be delayed, but it cannot be denied. Chinese history honors Bao Zheng, the revered “Blue-Sky Judge,” who fearlessly rectified injustices during the Song Dynasty, and Dou E, whose cry for justice moved the heavens and still echoes through the ages. The greatest force in any nation is its people. More than 2,300 years ago, China’s Second Sage, Mencius, declared: “The people are the most precious; the state comes next; the ruler is the least important.”

I firmly believe that, through the collective strength of the people, the families of the victims will one day see light break through the clouds.

With heartfelt gratitude for your support, I wish you peace, health, and fulfillment in the year ahead.

Respectfully,

Washington Lee (Qiguan Li)