Yu Miao, a Chinese bookseller, has opened JF Books in Washington, D.C., following the closure of his previous store, Jifeng, in Shanghai in January 2018. Jifeng, established in 1997, was a cultural cornerstone that operated up to eight outlets at its peak but faced increasing government restrictions and pressure to cancel events on sensitive topics such as feminism and constitutionalism. The closure was a significant loss for the liberal intellectual community in Shanghai, as the bookstore had hosted over 800 seminars before its shutdown.
In contrast, JF Books aims to provide a vibrant space for Chinese-language literature, including titles from Taiwan and Hong Kong that were previously unavailable in mainland China. The store opened with a strong focus on community engagement, hosting events and seminars, with three talks in September 2024 already fully subscribed. This reflects Yu's desire to actively participate in society and fulfill the needs of Chinese readers in Washington. Yu Miao's journey from Shanghai to the U.S. illustrates the challenges faced by those advocating for liberal ideas in China, especially after his wife faced an exit ban from Shanghai police in 2022.
Meanwhile, Patrick Jenevein, a Park Cities author, is also tackling the complexities of China through his new book, "Dancing with the Dragon: Cautionary Tales of the New China from an Old China Hand," released on October 1, 2024. This timing coincides with the 75th Anniversary of the People's Republic of China. Jenevein, who entered China's business world in 1995, highlights the stark differences between U.S. and Chinese political rights and emphasizes the importance of protecting intellectual property, citing a 2019 FBI report estimating annual losses of $225 billion to $600 billion to the U.S. economy.
Jenevein has faced threats to his life and livelihood from the Communist Party, with support from his friend Phillip Wiggins during a multi-million dollar legal dispute. Collaborating with New York Times bestselling author Steve Fiffer, Jenevein hopes his book will prompt readers to question freedom and rights in the context of China. The reopening of JF Books and the release of Jenevein's book both represent significant opportunities for cultural exchange and intellectual freedom, showcasing the resilience of those advocating for liberal ideas in the face of adversity. [f63c3ac7][ab5064e0][ead4e1c6]