China’s Bookstores Face Crackdown: JF Books Owner Finds Freedom in Washington
Yu Miao has reopened his bookstore, JF Books, in Dupont Circle, Washington, after being forced out of business in Shanghai six years ago. He enjoys freedom from government pressure in the U.S. “I want to live without fear,” he says.
In China, independent bookstores face increasing restrictions. The government is tightening control over dissent and free expression, resulting in numerous store closures. The Associated Press reports that over a dozen bookstores have been targeted recently. The crackdown extends to printing shops and street vendors as well. Yu’s experience reflects a larger trend of Chinese bookstores moving abroad due to oppressive regulations.
Many bookstores in China are state-owned, with independent ones facing strict rules. Government inspections are more frequent, making it difficult for many booksellers to operate. Yuan Di, the owner of Jiazazhi bookstore, was arrested in June, while other bookstore owners have been pressured to close. Officials cite regulatory issues to shut down these businesses, leading many owners to dismantle their shops.
Despite restrictions, there’s a rise in the number of bookstores opening in China. In 2020, more bookstores opened than closed, according to a survey. Idealism drives many bookstore owners like Liu Suli, who believes reading and culture are vital.
How do independent bookstores contribute to cultural exchange in the Chinese diaspora?
Interview with Yu Miao: The Reopening of JF Books and the State of Independent Bookstores for Chinese Authors Abroad
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NewsDirectory3: Yu, welcome back! Your story of reopening JF Books in Dupont Circle after being forced out of business in Shanghai is truly inspiring. Can you tell us about what motivated you to open your bookstore in the U.S.?
Yu Miao: Thank you for having me. The motivation behind reopening JF Books here is rooted in my desire for freedom—freedom of expression and the ability to curate a selection of books without fear of government interference. In Shanghai, I faced immense pressure and regulatory hurdles that stifled not just my business but also the mission behind it. Here in the U.S., I can embrace that mission fully.
NewsDirectory3: What were some of the challenges you faced while operating your bookstore in China?
Yu Miao: Independent bookstores in China are increasingly facing restrictive regulations. The government has targeted dissenting voices and maintained strict control over what can be read and shared. Inspections became more common, and many store owners like myself felt pressured to comply with unreasonable demands or risk closure. It was a stifling environment where creativity and individual thought were shadowed by fear.
NewsDirectory3: The Associated Press reported that numerous independent bookstores have been shut down lately due to these pressures. How does this trend impact bookstore owners and literary culture in China?
Yu Miao: It’s disheartening to see many bookstores being dismantled or forced to close. These places represent not just businesses, but havens for culture, critical thought, and community engagement. The crackdown on dissent impacts not only the bookstores but also the readers who rely on diverse literature for inspiration and understanding. However, I’ve seen some bookstore owners passionately pushing through, driven by idealism, hoping to nurture culture even in adverse conditions.
NewsDirectory3: Yet, despite the crackdown, there seems to be a rise in new bookstores opening in China. What do you think drives this surge?
Yu Miao: Yes, it’s a paradox. Many visionaries, like Liu Suli, believe in the power of reading and the importance of preserving culture against all odds. Their passion fuels this growth, as they open new stores that cater to the cultural needs of the community despite the risks involved. They embody both hope and resistance.
NewsDirectory3: You’re not alone in this journey; many bookstores have opened internationally, especially in areas with growing Chinese communities. How do you manage the selection of books?
Yu Miao: I carefully curate a mix of titles from Hong Kong, Taiwan, and local authors, as well as our own publications. This approach not only caters to the expatriate community here in Washington, but also serves to bridge cultural gaps and offer resources that many have left behind. It’s vital to promote understanding and connection through literature.
NewsDirectory3: Speaking of connection, could you share any stories from customers who have visited your bookstore?
Yu Miao: Absolutely! One student, Li Yijia, expressed how the bookstore provides her with a sense of belonging. She appreciates the opportunity to engage in critical thinking through the books available, which offer perspectives she felt were stifled back in China. It’s moments like these that remind me why I opened this bookstore in the first place.
NewsDirectory3: you’ve mentioned other bookstore owners who have faced severe consequences, like Zhou in Los Angeles. What do you think the future holds for independent bookstores and free expression in China?
Yu Miao: The future remains uncertain for independent bookstores in China. While there are many who will continue to fight, the increasing control signals a challenging road ahead. However, those of us who have moved abroad intend to keep this spirit alive. By sharing our stories and promoting reading culture in our new homes, we can continue to play a role in the resistance against censorship and uphold the values of freedom of expression.
NewsDirectory3: Thank you, Yu, for sharing your insights and experiences with us. We wish you continued success with JF Books and hope for a brighter future for independent bookstores everywhere.
Yu Miao: Thank you very much!
Outside China, bookstores are emerging in countries like Japan and France, catering to growing Chinese communities. Yu and other booksellers stock titles from Hong Kong, Taiwan, and their own publications, providing resources for those who left China.
Readers like Li Yijia, a student in Washington, appreciate these bookstores for their cultural significance. They find comfort and critical thinking opportunities in the books available. The closure of many stores leads owners to new paths, some facing jail, while others seek jobs or move abroad.
Zhou, who once owned a bookstore in Shanghai, has relocated to Los Angeles. He experienced significant government harassment and decided to leave China. He described his bookstore as a symbol of resistance, a sentiment now lost. The ongoing crackdown on bookstores demonstrates the challenges faced by those who value free expression and cultural exchange.