Chinese bookseller forced out of business finds new beginning in US: Video
Yu Miao, once a successful bookseller in China, has found a fresh start in Washington, D.C. after being forced to close his bookstore in Shanghai due to increasing government restrictions.
Yu, the owner of JF Books, shared how sensitive topics like feminism, constitutionalism, and religion made it difficult to host events or discussions in his Shanghai store.
"Some topics are considered taboo in public spaces, and we encountered obstacles when trying to hold events," Yu told AFP.
On the second-to-last day before closing his Shanghai bookstore, Yu had planned a screening of an independent documentary and a gathering of friends. However, the event was cut short by a sudden power outage, which Yu believes was intended to prevent people from gathering.
Despite the challenges, Yu's passion for books and desire to engage with society led him to open a new bookstore in Washington. "I enjoy having access to Chinese books that I like, but there are very few available here. I figured I wasn’t the only one with this need," Yu explained.
Originally founded in 1997, Yu’s bookstore grew to eight locations in Shanghai at its peak. However, when China tightened control over independent booksellers and academics in recent years, the store faced intense scrutiny. Events were often canceled by authorities, and in 2016, the government shut down several online outlets for covering sensitive topics.
