Chinese Bookstores Face Closure Amid Crackdown

In the wake of intensified government crackdowns on dissent in China, independent Chinese-language bookstores are increasingly relocating overseas, with Yu Miao's JF Books in Washington, D.C. exemplifying this trend. Forced out of Shanghai by authorities, Yu highlights the absence of pressure in the U.S., where his bookstore offers a haven for uncensored literature. Reports indicate that at least a dozen independent bookstores have faced closure or severe restrictions in China recently, with owners subject to fines and arrests. The crackdown has not only affected bookstores but also printing shops and street vendors, reflecting a broader assault on free expression. As Chinese bookstores flourish abroad, they serve as cultural centers for critical thinking amidst a stifling environment back home. This cultural migration underscores the urgent need for diverse reading platforms and the resilience of those seeking freedom of expression.