By Li Muzi
Recently, Chen Guangcheng, a former Chinese human rights lawyer now living in the United States, released a video on overseas social media announcing that he has filed a lawsuit for fabrication and defamation against Wang Zhian, a former CCTV reporter of the Chinese Communist Party who is currently living in Japan and working as an independent media commentator. Chen is seeking 330 million Japanese yen (about 14.5 million yuan) in damages for reputational harm. The case has been formally accepted by the Tokyo court and is scheduled to be heard on Feb. 10, Tokyo time.
On Feb. 6, Chen Guangcheng issued a statement on his overseas X account, saying: “In response to the fabrication and defamation committed against me by Wang Zhian, I formally filed a lawsuit for damages for infringement of reputation with the Tokyo District Court on Dec. 24, 2025. The total amount of compensation sought is 330 million Japanese yen. The case has been officially accepted by the court and will be heard on Feb. 10, 2026 (Tokyo time).”
In the video, Chen Guangcheng stated that on Aug. 18, 2025, Wang Zhian posted a video on YouTube titled ‘Is Chen Guangcheng Really Blind?’ In the video, Wang repeatedly claimed, “Chen Guangcheng isn’t blind at all—his eyes are perfectly fine!”
“By splicing clips together, selectively quoting, swapping concepts, and making leaps in reasoning, Wang Zhian arrived at conclusions such as ‘Chen Guangcheng is not blind, his eyes are fine’ and ‘Chen Guangcheng isn’t blind—society is blind,’ and on this basis further denied my character, integrity, and the legitimacy of my long-term public activities.”
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“These videos have continued to spread online and have been constantly amplified and solidified in comment sections and on social platforms, gradually evolving into labeled accusations and sustained attacks against me personally.”
“I did not choose to prove my innocence in the arena of public opinion. I let the bullet fly for five months, allowing time to let facts settle and society to see clearly: viewpoints can be debated and positions can differ, but Wang Zhian not only denied facts that can be medically verified, he then took it step by step to carry out multifaceted slander against me, crossing the boundary of free speech.”
“Now, I have filed a lawsuit for damages for infringement of reputation with the Tokyo District Court, and the case has been formally accepted. This action is not aimed at criticism itself, nor is it a response to political disagreements, but a demand that those who fabricate and defame under the guise of ‘seeking truth’ bear legal responsibility.”
“I have always believed that speech has boundaries and freedom has weight. Let evidence enter the courtroom and let rules clarify right and wrong—this is my response to rumors and my most basic respect for public discourse.”
According to Vision Times’ review, the video Wang Zhian posted on his YouTube channel on Aug.18, 2025, targeting Chen Guangcheng, is 53 minutes and 52 seconds long and carries tags such as “Is Chen Guangcheng Really Blind?” “Political Asylum,” and “U.S. Embassy in China.” In the video, Wang said: “Personally, I think Chen Guangcheng wears sunglasses every day not because he’s blind, not because he’s a blind person, but because he doesn’t want people to know that he isn’t blind—his eyes are perfectly fine!” The video has currently received 480,000 views.
Well-known democracy activist and former Tiananmen student leader Tang Baqiao posted on X, saying that regarding Chen Guangcheng, “He must be supported! All people of conscience who are still awake should support him. Not only for Chen Guangcheng, but also for the chained woman, Peng Lifa, Hu Xinyu, Tang Hui’s daughter, Chen Junhan, Xu Chunhe, the Falun Gong community, the White Paper Revolution heroes, and many other victims he has publicly insulted!”
A screenshot posted by Tang Baqiao stated that many people have accused Wang Zhian of helping the CCP “whitewash” key incidents—engaging in mild criticism while ultimately providing major assistance—appearing critical on the surface while substantively excusing the official position. For example, regarding the Beijing Sitong Bridge incident, Wang claimed that Peng Lifa’s protest may have been “coordinated with the CCP,” allegedly aimed at dividing overseas democratic forces and reducing the political impact of the event. Regarding the White Paper protests, Wang publicly said, “The crimes of the A4 paper must be settled,” and opposed turmoil, among other remarks.
Chen Guangcheng’s statement video has now received 650,000 views, and the comment section has exploded.
Well-known Chinese democracy activist Wang Dan also left a comment saying, “Support!” Many netizens commented: “Support defending one’s innocence!” “Firmly support Mr. Chen! This is a just act to defend his lawful rights!” “Good—support him! Sue him hard.” “Support Chen Guangcheng in defending his rights and striking back at major external propaganda.” “Support Mr. Guangcheng—justice will surely prevail over evil!” “Stand with Chen Guangcheng!”
“Sydney Idle Man” wrote: “Must support! Indeed, Chen Guangcheng is undeniably a righteous rights-defense lawyer, but as the son of the Party-mother, Wang XX also has an obligation to defend the Party-mother, doesn’t he? This case can be predicted—Wang XX will definitely lose and pay compensation, but the Party-mother will cover even this small amount for him.”
“Teacher Qing Si on Governance” commented: “That thing attacks people with disabilities every day. After being punished by Taiwan, it apparently wasn’t enough, so he went on to attack other disabled people. Someone like this really should be made to pay a price.”
Netizens left comments one after another: “After watching the related videos and reports, the chances of winning are very high.” “It’s too little—Wang Zhian, this scum, should be forced to spit out all the money given by the CCP and be bankrupted, to pay the price for years of smearing activists.” “Wang Zhian isn’t acting alone—this is unrestricted warfare, carrying out transnational repression for the CCP. He has a transnational network!”
