The Vanishment of a Chinese Critic

Recently, the whereabouts of Chinese critic Ren Zhiqiang grabbed much attention among the Chinese. Mr. Ren, unlike other missing individuals, is rich and influential in Chinese politics. He is a real-estate developer and is also the son of a former Vice Minister of Commerce in the Chinese government. Mr. Ren retains a certain amount of influence through his friends. Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan is his friend since high school. Vice Premier Liu He, who is the major negotiator in the China-United States trade war, was hired by Mr. Ren in the past when Liu was a graduate student. Mr. Ren's connections in Chinese politics made him immune from abnormal persecutions and survive after delivering several critical views about the Chinese Communist Party. He is vanished after delivered an extremely critical commentary about President Xi Jinping in COVID-19 outbreak. Mr. Ren's vanishment signified that China will not allow any opposition views in the future.

Article: A Loyal Chinese Critic Vanishes, in a Blow to Reform - The New York Times