Chinese Bookstores Face Crackdown Amid Political Pressures

A shuttered branch of independent bookstore chain Jiazazhi is seen in Ningbo, in eastern China's Zhejiang province, Oct. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Dake Kang)

A recent wave of closures and crackdowns on independent bookstores in China has raised concerns about freedom of expression and press freedom in the country. The ruling Communist Party's tightening grip on dissent has led to the closure of at least a dozen bookstores, with bookstore owners facing increased scrutiny and pressure from authorities.

Bookstores in China, both state-owned and independent, have become targets of government control, with regulations being more strictly enforced. The crackdown extends beyond bookstores to printing shops, street vendors, and other establishments that deal with publications.

The closure of these bookstores has prompted some owners to take their businesses abroad, with Chinese bookstores now emerging in countries like Japan, France, the Netherlands, and the U.S. This trend is driven by both stricter controls in China and the desire to cater to growing Chinese communities overseas.

Authorities in China are cracking down on publications deemed harmful or illegal, with strict regulations in place governing what can be published and sold. Any publication without a China Standard Book Number is considered illegal, and books can be banned even after publication if they violate government restrictions.

Government control extends to printing shops and vendors dealing with publications.

Communist Party's tightening grip leads to closure of bookstores.

Some Chinese bookstore owners are moving their businesses abroad.

Stricter regulations in China drive bookstore owners to open stores overseas.

Authorities in China crack down on publications deemed harmful or illegal.

Books can be banned post-publication if they violate government restrictions.

Despite challenges, more bookstores are opening in China.

Bookstore owners emphasize promoting culture and critical thinking through books.

Bookstores in China serve as cultural hubs and community centers for readers.

Owners face fines, interrogations, and imprisonment due to government crackdowns.

Despite the challenges and restrictions, more bookstores are opening in China, reflecting a continued interest in reading and cultural exchange. Bookstore owners like Liu Suli of All Sages Books in Beijing remain optimistic, emphasizing the importance of promoting culture and critical thinking through books.

For many Chinese readers, bookstores serve as cultural hubs and provide a sense of community and connection to their homeland. The closure of these bookstores has led some owners to seek new opportunities abroad, while others have faced fines, interrogations, and even imprisonment.

As the landscape of independent bookstores in China continues to evolve, the resilience and determination of bookstore owners to promote literature and free expression remain at the forefront of this ongoing struggle.