Peace and Conscience: A Speech Commemorating the Ninth Anniversary of Liu Xiaobo’s Passing
Author: Zhao Yantao Editor: Lyu Cong
Dear fellow party members and distinguished guests:
Good afternoon, everyone! I am Zhao Yantao, a member of the China Democracy Party.
Today, we gather by the sea at Santa Monica to commemorate together the ninth anniversary of the passing of Mr. Liu Xiaobo, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
Nine years ago today, an intellectual who always upheld the ideals of peace, reason, and nonviolence left this world. But a person’s life may end, while a person’s spirit can transcend time and go on influencing those who come after.
Mr. Liu Xiaobo once said: “I have no enemies, and no hatred.”
This is not merely a sentence; it is the embodiment of a kind of political civilization. He told the world that even in the face of oppression and injustice, one can still hold fast to conscience, hold fast to dignity, and persist in advancing social progress by peaceful and rational means, rather than letting hatred consume oneself.
Today, we have come to the seaside to hold this memorial by the sea, not only to remember a man who has passed away, but even more to honor a spirit.
It is a spirit that pursues freedom.
A spirit that holds fast to the truth.
And a spirit that believes peace can change society.
History tells us that the development of any modern, civilized nation is inseparable from civic consciousness, the spirit of the rule of law, and the people’s unremitting pursuit of freedom and dignity. A truly stable society is not built on fear, but on a foundation where the people can express themselves freely, participate in public affairs in accordance with the law, and respect one another.
As Chinese people living overseas, we may live in different countries and hold different statuses, but we all hope that the China of the future can become a country that is more open, more governed by the rule of law, and more respectful of the rights of every citizen.
This hope should not be built on hatred, but on responsibility; not on violence, but on peace.
Standing here today, I would also like to say one thing to everyone who cares about China’s future:
No matter whether our political views are entirely the same, so long as we all hope for a China with more freedom, more rule of law, and more dignity, we have room to work together.
To commemorate Mr. Liu Xiaobo is not only to lay a bouquet of flowers, nor only to observe a minute of silence; what matters more is to pass on this spirit of holding fast to truth, to peace, and to conscience.
Perhaps the strength of each one of us is small, but history is often propelled forward by the perseverance of countless ordinary people.
Finally, let us together remember Mr. Liu Xiaobo.
May his spirit be like today’s sea — vast and far-reaching; and like today’s sea breeze, crossing mountains and oceans to reach everyone who loves freedom and cherishes peace.
May the China of the future truly realize the rule of law, justice, freedom, and dignity.
Thank you, everyone. May Mr. Liu Xiaobo rest in peace, and may peace and hope be with us always.
Speech in Memory of Liu Xiaobo on the Ninth Anniversary of His Passing
Ladies and gentlemen, dear friends,
Good afternoon.
Today, we gather here on the shores of Santa Monica to commemorate the ninth anniversary of the passing of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Liu Xiaobo.
Nine years ago today, the world lost a scholar and advocate who remained committed to peace, reason, and nonviolent change. Although his life came to an end, the values he stood for continue to inspire people across generations.
Liu Xiaobo once said:
“I have no enemies, and no hatred.”
These words represent more than a personal belief—they reflect a vision of political civilization. They remind us that even in the face of injustice, one can choose dignity over resentment, reason over violence, and hope over despair.
Today, as we hold this memorial by the sea, we are not only remembering one individual. We are honoring a spirit.
A spirit that values freedom.
A spirit that seeks truth.
And a spirit that believes peaceful dialogue and nonviolent action are the path toward a better future.
History has shown that every modern and prosperous society is built upon the rule of law, civic responsibility, and respect for the dignity and rights of every individual. Lasting stability does not come from fear—it comes from justice, freedom, and the ability of people to participate openly in public life.
As Chinese people living overseas, we may come from different backgrounds and hold different perspectives. Yet many of us share the hope that one day China will become a country that is more open, more governed by the rule of law, and more respectful of the rights and dignity of every citizen.
That hope should be guided not by hatred, but by responsibility; not by violence, but by peaceful engagement.
Today, I would also like to say this to everyone who cares about China’s future:
Even if we do not agree on every political issue, as long as we share the aspiration for greater freedom, stronger rule of law, and greater human dignity, there remains common ground on which we can work together.
To remember Liu Xiaobo is not only to lay flowers or observe a moment of silence. It is to carry forward the principles he embodied—the pursuit of truth, the commitment to peace, and the courage to follow one’s conscience.
Each of us may seem insignificant on our own, but history is often shaped by the perseverance of ordinary people who refuse to give up hope.
Finally, let us remember Liu Xiaobo with respect and gratitude.
May his spirit be as vast as the ocean before us, reaching across borders and generations.
May it continue to inspire all who cherish freedom, peace, and human dignity.
And may China one day embrace justice, the rule of law, freedom, and dignity for all.
Thank you.