The World Speaks Out

RFA's audience and others weigh in through calls, email, and social media

"Recently Hong Kong students have been demonstrating for universal suffrage, I support them. Hong Kong and Taiwan are China's future."

China – Oct 20.

Supporters in NY via @NY4HK

"When the Occupy Central protests erupted, the Chinese media branded them as being ‘illegal.’ But they didn’t dare to air actual, on-the-scene field reports of the demonstrations. So we don’t know why the Hong Kong students want to occupy the Central district and why that was supposed to be ‘illegal.’ Apparently, the truth is much more simple: the protestors want democracy."

Hebei, China – Oct. 15

 Supporters in NY via @NY4HK

"I think the Occupy Central protests are similar with the Tiananmen protests in 1989 which I participated. The Chinese authorities used exactly the same scheme to deal with it: committing bad things and then blaming the student protesters."

Japan, Oct. 15

"When the Occupy Central protests erupted, the Chinese media branded them as being ‘illegal.’ But they didn’t dare to air actual, on-the-scene field reports of the demonstrations. So we don’t know why the Hong Kong students want to occupy the Central district and why that was supposed to be ‘illegal.’ Apparently, the truth is much more simple: the protestors want democracy."

Hebei, China – Oct. 15

"Hong Kong Occupy Central may not bring Hong Kong people genuine universal suffrage, but this is not important. The important thing is Hong Kong people bravely fight for their own future and fate. Mainland Chinese should learn from them to fight for democracy and freedom with love and peace."

Guangzhou, China - Oct. 13

"Recently, RFA Mandarin reported the Occupy Central protests in Hong Kong with well written scripts, audio, pictures and videos in a timely and detailed way. These made me and all other audiences completely understood the situation. On the contrary, media in China didn’t dare to report the real happenings, or the facts. Rather, they are trying to conceal the truth and slander the protesters."

Guangxi, China – Oct.14

Original Lennon Wall in Prague started filling up with sticky-notes supporting Hong Kong pro-democracy Umbrella Movement
Original Lennon Wall in Prague started filling up with sticky-notes supporting Hong Kong pro-democracy Umbrella Movement
Original Lennon Wall in Prague started filling up with sticky-notes supporting Hong Kong pro-democracy Umbrella Movement
Original Lennon Wall in Prague started filling up with sticky-notes supporting Hong Kong pro-democracy Umbrella Movement
Original Lennon Wall in Prague started filling up with sticky-notes supporting Hong Kong pro-democracy Umbrella Movement

"The Chinese government violated the Hong Kong's basic law. The people's demand for universal suffrage is justified.‎"

Tianjin, China - Oct. 13

"The Hong Kong protest reflects the wish of not only HK people but also mainland China. I also object to the increased jamming of‎ RFA since Xi took power.‎"

Shaanxi, China‎ - Oct. 13

"As a citizen, I don't want communism. I want democracy. Democracy is so important for people. In a democracy, people are the owners of their country, not the government or politicians."

Thy Sovantha, Cambodia, Oct. 9

"Nguyễn Hoàng Thanh Tâm of Viet Tan: 'We are by your side. Whatever happens tonight, we will still be here. Vietnamese and people around the world stand by you'. Joshua Wong: “Thank you so much. It means a lot to us here. Please keep up your support. We really need it."

Hong Kong, Oct. 3.

"I am glad to see ordinary citizens from HK to participate in the Occupy Central Movement to demand the right to elect their own leader."

Tianjin, China – Oct. 8

"Because of Chinese propaganda, many mainlanders believe that those who took to the streets in HK are outlaws. Chinese official media never explains why so many people took to the streets. Chinese official media always misleads the people."

Shanghai, China – Oct. 8

"The Occupy Central reminded older people of Tiananmen crackdown. There is no freedom of information in China."

Qinghai, China – Oct. 8

"We, the Vietnamese people, hope for your victory in Hong Kong. We also hope the same for our Vietnam. You inspire us."

Vietnam - Oct. 7

"- Shanghai Xiao: 'HK protestors must strategize and be flexible in order to sustain until victory.'
- Shandong Kong: 'People's Daily says Occupy HK is against the law. It is themselves who are against the law.'
- Japan Ms. Wang: 'The protestors are much more mature compared to Tiananmen, but the tricks that CCP plays are just as dirty as then. RFA provides a platform for those who are 'covered in the drum' to have a small window to see the world.'"

Voices of the People program - RFA Mandarin Service – Oct. 7

"- Guangdong Huang: 'Universal suffrage is a promise China made to the Hong Kong people."
- Anhui Li: 'CCP will not yield to the protestors in HK.'
- Nanjing Song: 'Occupy HK is justified but the protestors need to be careful not to be used by Xi's political opponents.'
- Shanghai Brick: 'Occupy HK received the support from the world. It has succeeded already.'"

Voices of the People program - RFA Mandarin Service – Oct. 6

"Freedom-loving world peace, everyone will support and admiration the revolution in Hong Kong"

Con Ket Biet Noi - Posted on RFA Vietnamse Facebook – Oct. 7

"I have a dream that someday Vietnam's police will treat their youths and students civilly just like how Hong Kong's police are treating their youths....God bless the Vietnamese youths."

Dean Nguyen - Posted on RFA Vietnamse Facebook – Oct. 7

"You can do it my Hong Kong friend I believe in all of you. If you can do it I’m sure us Vietnamese will follow."

Ageha Lâm - Posted on RFA Vietnamse Facebook – Oct. 7

"Your non-violent protests under the sign of umbrella you succeeded to convene in so peaceful way in Hong Kong has a profound sense not only for you, for your country, but also for us who live in different continent. Your example of steady determination in this fight for freedom and for the respect of human dignity is captivating."

Message of Vaclav Maly to protesters in Hong Kong – Oct. 6

"I am happy to see normal people in Hong Kong bravely challenging the authorities in demanding free elections. We hope one day in China there are also free elections."

Mr. Zhao from Tianjin – Oct. 5

"I am sympathetic to people in Hong Kong. Though the Occupy affected their normal life they should carry the protest out to its victory."

Mr. Lin from Jiangxi – Oct. 5

"I admire the Hong Kong protesters who voluntarily cleaned up the streets and their good deeds have never been reported in China. Meanwhile, I felt infuriated that gangsters violently attacking these peaceful and civic young students."

Mr. Hu from Jilin – Oct. 5

"I wish the international society can increase pressure on the Chinese authorities to force them peacefully solve the Occupy situation. If they dare to use force, their reputation will be even worse."

Mr. Huang from Jiangsu – Oct. 5

"The Chinese official media called the protesters “mob” or “gangsters”, but you have to answer the basic question: why there are so many protesting “gangsters” in Hong Kong? Who motivated them? Apparently they are normal citizens and students who are angry with the erosion of freedom and democracy in the city."

Mr. Lin of Guangzhou – Oct. 5

"We condemn the violent attacks against peaceful demonstrators in Hong Kong. We are dismayed that Hong Kong authorities have not taken necessary steps to protect peaceful protesters from these cowardly attacks by individuals who seek to deny their right of peaceful assembly."

U.S. Senators Wicker, Leahy – Oct. 5

"I want to tell all the students and comrades in Hong Kong that democracy will win. With nonviolent ways and perseverance you should keep up fighting for your rights. As a former student protester in 1988 pro-democracy uprisings, I would like to say we are with you all the way."

Ko Ko Gyi, 88 Uprising leader and former political prisoner, Myanmar- Oct. 5

"Not just us but the whole world is supporting the students and people in Hong Kong in this movement. The people of Hong Kong won’t give up. We must show our solidarity with people by every means."

Min Ko Naing, 8888 Uprising students leader, Myanmar, Oct. 4

"Please spread the word about the peaceful protests here and about our message that we want to achieve universal suffrage. It is important that other people around the world understand what we want to achieve and support our movement even with just words of support! Thank you!"

Response to offers of help from Prague-based NGO

"As a Tibetan, Uyghur, Southern Mongolian and Chinese - people who have all suffered from the oppressive policies of the Chinese Communist Party - we express our deep admiration for and solidarity with the movement for democracy and rights in Hong Kong. We have all dedicated our lives to restoring rights and freedom to our people, and we salute the people of Hong Kong for refusing to remain silent as Beijing reneges on its promise of universal suffrage and democratic reforms."

Initiatives For China - Oct 3

"As a Tibetan, Uyghur, Southern Mongolian and Chinese - people who have all suffered from the oppressive policies of the Chinese Communist Party - we express our deep admiration for and solidarity with the movement for democracy and rights in Hong Kong. We have all dedicated our lives to restoring rights and freedom to our people, and we salute the people of Hong Kong for refusing to remain silent as Beijing reneges on its promise of universal suffrage and democratic reforms."

Initiatives For China - Oct 3

"Beijing's recent White Paper on Hong Kong and its recent actions, show that the CCP won't allow genuine democracy or universal suffrage in Hong Kong. Moreover, China threatens HK's judicial independence and free speech rights of HK citizens. Beijing's actions violate the Basic Law and its promises to the people of HK. In 1951, the CCP made similar promises of autonomy & non-interference to Tibet but after 9 years, Beijing violated the 17 Point Agreement which lead to a Tibetan rebellion & the imposition of colonialism & a police state in Tibet."

New York City, Sept. 17

"This news is not being aired on television, radio, or the Internet in China at all. The only news we get is through official government websites and media. Nothing else. Thankfully, sources like RFA and others, when we can get through the web censors, are available."

Guangxi, China, Oct. 1

"Hong Kong’s Occupy Central Movement is another historical event of Chinese masses striving for democracy and freedom after Tiananmen Square Protests that happened 25 years ago. No matter whether Occupy Central Movement succeeds or fails, the incident will be recorded in history."

Guangzhou, Oct. 1

"I first learned about Hong Kong’s Occupy Central Movement through shortwave broadcasting by Radio Free Asia since I don’t know how to get this information on the Internet in China. I am thrilled for Hong Kong people to bravely fight for democracy and freedom. After June 4 Incident, Chinese authorities have brainwashed the youths in Mainland China through education. As a result, Chinese students are disinterested in politics. They should learn from Hong Kong students to pursue democracy and freedom without fear. "

Huizhou, China -Oct. 1

"If only the mainland Chinese could have access to the outside world."

Oct. 1

"Universal suffrage is the best way to avoid violence in Hong Kong."

Hebei Province - Sept. 29

"The cry of democracy in Hong Kong is very inspiring. But the use of tear gas by the Hong Kong police reminds me of Tiananmen. I urge that the students take care to protect themselves and stay with cause."

Hubei - Sept. 29

"Hong Kong people need to careful. The Chinese Regime is trying to wear them down and then use brutal force. The protesters must take turns to recuperate and must persist in their fight for democracy. China is blocking the web, arresting the bloggers. They go to the extremes to kill the call for democracy."

Shanghai - Sept. 29

"I want people in Hong Kong to understand that they are not lonely. When joining the protest, we want people in Hong Kong to have the rights to choose their leader, rights to saying 'No' to Beijing government."

Hong Kong - Sept. 30

"Hong Kong has never been able to elect their own leaders since colonial period. Now they are striking for their rights to choose their own destiny. Hong Kong protests this time will give a huge history lesson to people of mainland China. This is not 18th or 19th century. In this 21st century, we are asking political culture of 21st century. We are with them all with our hearts and souls."

New York City - Oct. 3.

"China deprives people of their right to know information. On the contrary, RFA’s programs are informative and fascinating. I can’t imagine how I would have lived if I had not discovered RFA. I must have been living like a drunkard in a daze."

Jilin, China -- Sept. 29

"China deprives people of their right to know information. On the contrary, RFA’s programs are informative and fascinating. I can’t imagine how I would have lived if I had not discovered RFA. I must have been living like a drunkard in a daze."

Jilin, China -- Sept. 29

"Mainland Chinese strongly support the Occupy Hong Kong movement. Stand up, people in Hong Kong!"

Jiangsu, China -- Sept. 29

"The Hong Kong compatriots’ fight for universal suffrage is justified. Back in 1997, the central government made a pledge that Hong Kong will remain, to a high degree, autonomous for 50 years and how can you say Hong Kong is still autonomous if the Hong Kong people cannot elect their own leader. The CCP has never honored its words in the past 65 years because of its nature as a dictatorship. It is good that the Hong Kong people have realized this and bravely stand up to oppose the CCP’s dictatorship rule. The wave of democracy will surely crash the CCP’s dictatorship."

Jiangxi, China – Sept. 29

"China should give the Hong Kong people a chance to select their own leaders and they are also the democracy lovers. I hope Laos can have that kind demonstration without bloodshed."

Vientiane, Laos - Oct. 1

"From the other side of the globe, we are expressing our sympathy and strong support to the students and people of Hong Kong who have been bravely struggling for democracy and freedom. We were citizens of the Republic of Vietnam who fled the country to seek freedom in the USA after North Vietnam occupation in 1975. As for us, the victims of the tyranny of the communist regime, we understand how tough the life and environment you have been enduring in Hong Kong after it was returned to Communist China."

Virginia, United States, Oct. 3