Yu Menglong Incident Sparks “Three Withdrawals” Wave: Expert Answers Public Concerns

(Photo: Yu Menglong, file photo / screenshot from Yu Menglong’s Weibo)

[People News] The mysterious death of Chinese mainland actor Yu Menglong in September this year has triggered a strong social reaction. Large numbers of people have spontaneously sought justice for him and have gone to overseas “Three Withdrawals” websites to declare their withdrawal from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), the Communist Youth League, and the Young Pioneers. This wave has continued to this day, becoming the largest public awakening movement since the “Chained Woman” incident. In response to widespread public questions, Michael Yu, Director of the Global Service Center for Quitting the CCP, gave an exclusive interview to The Dajiyuan explaining in detail various doubts surrounding the Three Withdrawals.

A Spiritual Awakening Lasting 20 Years: 450 Million People Have Withdrawn

Since the publication of Nine Commentaries on the Communist Party at the end of 2004, the “Three Withdrawals” movement—resigning from the CCP, the Communist Youth League, and the Young Pioneers—has continued for more than two decades. Every major social event—the “Chained Woman” case, COVID lockdowns, the Hu Xinyu case, etc.—has triggered waves of withdrawals. The Yu Menglong incident, as the latest spark, has once again awakened public consciousness.

Some netizens have questioned: the CCP has only about 100 million members—how can there be 450 million withdrawals? Michael Yu explained: “‘Quitting the Party’ is actually shorthand. The Three Withdrawals refer to leaving the CCP, the Communist Youth League, and the Young Pioneers. Therefore, the number of people who have declared their withdrawals has now surpassed 450 million.”

He further elaborated on the deeper meaning of the movement. He pointed out that the CCP has committed grave crimes in history, including the Cultural Revolution, the Tiananmen Square massacre, and the persecution of Falun Gong, resulting in over 80 million unnatural deaths. Yet countless people, unaware of the truth, joined CCP organizations and swore to “dedicate their lives” and “struggle for communism for life.” Those oaths, he said, have become spiritual shackles on their hearts.

Over-Age Does Not Mean Automatic Withdrawal — Oaths Must Be Actively Voided

Many people mistakenly believe that aging out, not paying Party dues for years, or living abroad long-term equals automatic withdrawal from CCP organizations. Michael Yu offered a clear answer.

“From the perspective of traditional Chinese culture, oaths and pledges have real effects—they will manifest,” he emphasized. “When people joined the Party, the League, or the Young Pioneers and swore to dedicate their lives, those were not mere words—they must be fulfilled. If one does not actively withdraw, one shares in its guilt and consequences.”

Regarding nonpayment of dues or aging out, Yu stated: “Failing to pay dues or participate in activities is a disciplinary issue—it means the organizational relationship is broken but does not count as active withdrawal.”

Because joining originally involved a formal oath, a declaration is necessary to truly nullify it. This principle also applies to those who have aged out of the Youth League or Young Pioneers.

“In other words, only through an active statement can one spiritually and morally sever ties with the CCP.”

Using an Alias Is Safe and Effective — Real-Name Certificates Are Internationally Recognized

Safety is the issue mainland Chinese citizens care about most. Michael Yu reassured them clearly:

“The Three Withdrawals are very safe because one can use a pseudonym or nickname—no need for a real name,” he said. “This is a moral and spiritual awakening movement. What matters is the sincerity of the heart; pseudonyms and nicknames are equally valid.”

This mechanism provides a safe path for those still in China who fear retaliation. People can make declarations through the Global Service Center’s website, local offices, or volunteer helpers.

However, for those needing immigration or citizenship documentation, the situation differs. Yu emphasized the importance of an official certificate: “More and more people are requesting withdrawal certificates to prove they have no ties with the CCP when applying for immigration. It is a highly effective supporting document.”

He explained the difference: a Three Withdrawals declaration is a moral and spiritual act, which can use a pseudonym; but a withdrawal certificate is an official document for government or immigration agencies and must use a real name for identity verification—otherwise it may not be accepted.

Easy Online Process — Certificates Recognized by Immigration Authorities

For over a decade, the Global Service Center for Quitting the CCP has issued withdrawal certificates for real-name applicants and provides online training, processing, and verification services recognized by immigration lawyers and agencies such as the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Michael Yu outlined the process: “Obtaining a withdrawal certificate is very convenient. We have an online system. First, applicants complete seven training modules exposing the CCP’s evil nature and historical crimes. After passing an exam, they can apply for the certificate, which will be sent electronically by email.”

He reminded those planning to go abroad: “In many countries, including the U.S., citizenship applicants are required to present a withdrawal certificate showing they left the CCP at least five years earlier. So people intending to immigrate or naturalize should apply as soon as possible.” Certificates issued under real names serve as internationally recognized evidence of severed ties with the CCP.

This comprehensive system ensures safety for mainland applicants while providing internationally valid proof for those emigrating.

Yu Menglong Incident Fuels “Three Withdrawals” — The Awakening Tide Is Unstoppable

In September, the shocking death of mainland actor Yu Menglong reverberated across China. Following the incident, public opinion continued to ferment, and large numbers of citizens began reexamining China’s political and social realities, expressing their conscience by quitting the CCP, Youth League, and Young Pioneers.

According to statements released by the Global Service Center, more and more formerly silent people—including some within the system—have awakened because of Yu’s death. Many declarants said they once took pride in national strength and military power but were deeply shaken by the tragedy.

A veteran Party member from Zhejiang, Cao Yong, wrote: “Not long after feeling proud of the September 3rd military parade, I was horrified by the Yu Menglong murder! I hereby renounce membership in the CCP and its affiliated organizations.” He said he no longer believes slogans like “the American imperialists never stop trying to destroy China,” adding that “internet censorship, elite emigration, and people’s suffering” are China’s true reality.

Many young people said the case made them reflect on the CCP’s nature for the first time. A youth named Lu Yuqing wrote: “After seeing Yu Menglong’s case, I began to uncover the CCP’s true face. We ordinary people are nothing but slaves of those in power.” His declaration cited the CCP’s crimes of forced organ harvesting, disregard for life, and exploitation of the people.

Another declarant under the alias Catherine said: “The CCP’s evil became clear to me through the Yu Menglong incident. If a country can treat such a kind and good man like that, its evil is self-evident.” She said the brutality revealed the regime’s coldness and hypocrisy.

In numerous declarations, citizens voiced sharp indictments of the totalitarian system. A signer named Xin Miaomiao (Amy) wrote: “We live in a web of lies they have woven. The internet is walled; we only see what they allow. Ordinary people are beasts of burden who can’t even cry out, because that’s called ‘negative energy.’” She said a regime that can neither protect kindness nor tolerate truth has sunk deeper into darkness than any feudal dynasty. “If there are gods, I beg them to look upon this China and bless this land and its people.”

Many wrote that Yu’s death left them “completely disillusioned.” Gao Jingjing declared: “Because of the Yu Menglong case, I am utterly hopeless about the CCP. They silence voices with power and crush good people. For over 30 years I was blindfolded by their lies—now I finally see that I lived in deceit.” She announced her withdrawal from all CCP organizations and declared her previous oaths void.

From veteran Party members to young people, from real names to aliases, these “Three Withdrawals” statements reflect a shared spiritual turning point: they no longer pin their hopes on the regime but express their pursuit of truth, conscience, and freedom by renouncing it.

Their actions are not impulsive but rational resistance to prolonged oppression, deception, and violence. As one declaration said: “If a good person cannot be protected, what in this society can be trusted?”

These genuine voices show that more and more citizens are awakening. Michael Yu appealed: “More and more incidents are helping people see the CCP’s evil nature, and more are joining the current of withdrawal. I hope those already awakened will tell their family and friends to quickly make the Three Withdrawals and choose a bright future.”

As of December 3, 2004, through today, over 453 million Chinese people in China and abroad have declared their withdrawals from the CCP, the Youth League, and the Young Pioneers. This month alone, 850,744 new withdrawals were recorded; this week 140,217; and yesterday 37,568, showing the movement’s continued vitality.

(Report by The Dajiyuan journalists Li Jing and Chang Chun) △