Dancing in shackles: The A4 Revolution Launched by Chinese International Students

Abstract

This paper explores the A4 Revolution, a civic movement initiated by Chinese international students in response to the tragic fire in Urumqi, China, and the delayed rescue due to strict COVID-19 policies. The movement, symbolised by blank A4 paper, reflects the creative resistance to censorship while highlighting the ongoing struggles against state control. Through a combination of online and offline activism, participants used platforms like Instagram, Telegram, and Facebook to organise events, share personal experiences, and navigate ideological differences. This study employs online ethnography and autoethnography to analyze how Chinese students across the globe engaged in the movement, examining the interaction between digital platforms and physical protests. It emphasises the complexities of identity, where participants’ political, gender, and class backgrounds intersected, causing internal conflicts. By exploring these contradictions, the paper sheds light on the decentralised nature of the movement and the ways in which online spaces provide room for marginalised voices to resist authoritarian regimes. Ultimately, the A4 Revolution is a poignant reflection of Chinese democracy activism and the power of online platforms in shaping collective resistance across borders.