AIL Members Commemorate Mao in Shaoshan Amid Heavy Police Presence
On 9 September, two comrades from the Emancipation of Labour Society carried out a commemorative and leaflet distribution activity in Shaoshan, China. According to their report, the activity took place under heavy police surveillance, which significantly restricted their outreach.
The comrades reached Shaoshan Square at around 16:00. Police were stationed at road junctions and around the square, with particularly strict checks at the entrance to the scenic area. Vehicles were also being inspected.
Despite this presence, many people had gathered to commemorate Mao Zedong. Some stood quietly before his statue, while others took photographs or walked around the square. Several visitors wore Type 65 military uniforms, and some sang “The East Is Red” together.
In front of the Mao Zedong statue, one of the comrades displayed the Society’s flag and posed for photographs without police intervention.
The comrades then distributed leaflets as they walked from the square towards Mao’s former residence. Frequent police patrols limited the scale of the distribution, with fewer than fifty leaflets handed out. Most recipients put the leaflets into their pockets and continued walking.
The report also highlighted an encouraging exchange with a young student whom the comrades met shortly after arriving at the railway station. Their discussion led to an exchange of contact details, and communication has continued since the activity.
According to the Society, both comrades completed the activity without being identified or detained. Although the heavy police presence limited its propaganda impact, the visit provided an opportunity to distribute material, establish a new contact and participate in the commemoration of Mao.
