Li Ao's Appeal for Free Speech at Peking University Resonates with Students

Liberal historian and television commentator Li Ao delivered an impassioned appeal for free speech at Peking University, urging students to embrace the Chinese Communist Party while maintaining their independence of spirit. Citing Mao Zedong and former premier Zhou Enlai, Li Ao emphasized the importance of allowing different voices to be heard, drawing parallels with the legalization of pornography in northern Europe. He challenged the institution's leaders to live up to the legacy of their predecessors, such as former university presidents Ma Yinchu and Cai Yuanpei, who stood up against authoritarian rule.

Key Takeaways:

• Li Ao's speech was one of three scheduled addresses during his 12-day trip to the mainland, and it drew constant applause and laughter from students.
• The liberal historian and television commentator praised independence of spirit, a trait widely regarded as the traditional Peking University ethos, and paid tribute to former university presidents who opposed authoritarian rule.
• Li Ao criticized today's Peking University as being submissive to authorities and too weak, challenging the institution's leaders to live up to the legacy of the past.
• He argued that students should cooperate with the Communist Party in a "sober, rational, and happy" manner, emphasizing the party's slogan to serve the people.
• In response to a student's question about university party secretary Min Weifang's statement, Li Ao said nothing should be forbidden at universities, likening it to the search for a cancer treatment at a medical school.
• Li Ao took time out to visit a 15-year-old cancer patient, Wu Ziyou, at his bedside, and the two engaged in a conversation that resonated with the old Peking University spirit.

Statistics:

• Li Ao is scheduled to give three speeches during his 12-day trip to the mainland.
• Peking University has a rich history of fostering independence of spirit, as exemplified by former university presidents like Ma Yinchu and Cai Yuanpei.
• The number of sex crimes dropped in northern Europe after the legalization of pornography.
• Li Ao's speech was met with constant applause and laughter from students, indicating a resonance with the traditional Peking University ethos.

Sources:

• Li Ao's speech at Peking University
• Wu Ziyou's statement to Li Ao
• Former university presidents Ma Yinchu and Cai Yuanpei's biographies.