Tue Nov 19 06:30:48 UTC 2024: ## China’s Bookstores Under Siege: Crackdown Forces Exiles and Silence

**WASHINGTON, D.C. – November 19, 2024** – A widening crackdown on independent bookstores in China is forcing owners to flee the country and leading to the destruction of countless books, according to a new report. The Chinese government’s actions, which extend to tracing publications back to the printing process, are silencing dissent and limiting access to diverse perspectives.

The Associated Press investigation reveals at least a dozen bookstores have been shuttered or targeted for closure in recent months, part of a broader campaign against free expression. One bookstore owner, Yuan Di (also known as Yanyou), founder of Jiazazhi bookstore, was arrested in June, his arrest confirmed by multiple sources who fear retribution. His charges remain unclear.

The crackdown extends beyond bookstores, impacting printing shops, street vendors, and even online platforms. A government document obtained by the AP details inspections targeting “illegal publications,” revealing authorities’ efforts to control the entire publication chain. This includes enforcing strict regulations on China Standard Book Numbers, effectively outlawing many self-published and imported books.

While the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs denies knowledge of a crackdown, independent bookstore owners paint a stark picture of increasing government control and harassment. Wang Yingxing, owner of Fatty Wang’s Bookstore, was forced to close in August due to a lack of a publication license he was ineligible to obtain. His remaining books are being pulped or sold to cafes to create small libraries.

The chilling effect on the publishing industry is undeniable. However, the trend is not entirely one of suppression. While some owners face imprisonment or financial ruin, others are establishing bookstores abroad, particularly in places with growing Chinese communities. These exiles are providing refuge for books and creating havens for critical thought and cultural exchange in cities like Washington D.C., Los Angeles, Japan, France, and the Netherlands. The new bookstores cater to a growing demand for cultural autonomy among Chinese migrants who value access to diverse perspectives and community spaces beyond those available in their homeland.

Experts like Michael Berry, director of UCLA’s Center for Chinese Studies, suggest that economic slowdown and a desire to quell potential unrest may be driving the government’s actions. The increasing digitalization of media also presents a further challenge for independent bookstores. Despite the hardships, however, some Chinese booksellers remain optimistic, fueled by a passionate belief in the importance of free access to information and literature.

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