Five Chinese Professors from prestigious Chinese Universities, including Hongkong
University, issued a statement on February 26 on the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The
statement, which was posted on the Chinese social media was promptly deleted by Chinese
censors, but is circulating as a petition among Chinese academics. The Professors are: (i) Sun
Jiang Professor, Nanjing University; (ii) Wang Lixin Professor, Peking University; (iii) Xu
Guoqi Professor, University of Hong Kong; (iv) Zhong Weimin Professor, Tsinghua
University; and (v) Prof. Chen Yan, Fudan University. It said, "The international community
was shocked that a permanent member of the United Nations, a major power with nuclear
weapons, would fight against a weaker brother" and that "Great catastrophes in history often
started with local conflicts". The statement said "We strongly appeal to the Russian government
and to President Putin to stop this war and settle the dispute through negotiations. Power
politics will not only destroy the achievements of civilization and the principles of international
justice, but will also bring great shame and disaster to the Russian nation. Peace begins with
the desire of the human heart. We oppose unjust wars".
(Comment: While the statement does not directly criticise Chinese President Xi Jinping, it is
an implicit criticism of Chinese support to Russia. The Professors are likely to be penalised.)
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