World News
Xi Jinping Praises Women’s Rights While Feminists Face Repression
At the global women’s summit celebrating the 30th anniversary of the UN Women’s Conference, Chinese President Xi Jinping praised China’s “historic achievements” in women’s rights, noting that maternal mortality has fallen nearly 80% over the past three decades and highlighting women’s unprecedented confidence and participation in national governance.
However, Xi’s praise contrasts sharply with the domestic crackdown on feminist activism. Since Xi assumed power, women’s rights advocates have faced increasing pressure. For example, in 2015 five feminists were detained for staging an anti-sexual harassment protest in the Beijing subway. Social media platforms such as Weibo and WeChat have intensified censorship of feminist content, with numerous accounts promoting gender equality being suspended.
Although China has made progress in women’s status, it is largely state-led and does not fully reflect the efforts and demands of grassroots feminists, raising international doubts about the authenticity of women’s rights advancement in China.