Circle 19 Emerges as Crucial Voice for Information Freedom in China

Circle 19, an independent collective of media professionals, scholars, and diaspora activists, has become a vital force in promoting the right to information for the Chinese public. Backed by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), the network advocates for access to verified, independent news in a country where state-controlled media dominates and censorship is systemic.

Founded in 2019 and named after Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Circle 19 brings together around 30 members, including well-known figures like Chang Ping, Kris Cheng, and Xiao Qiang. While some members remain anonymous for security reasons, the group’s mission is clear: to defend the public’s right to reliable information and to root this right within Chinese intellectual and historical traditions.

On June 4, 2024—the 35th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre—Circle 19 released a powerful Statement of Principles, co-signed by RSF and over 50 international organizations. The manifesto challenges the narrative that freedom of information is a Western construct, emphasizing that Chinese history and philosophy also uphold the value of truth and accountability.

Through its website, Circle 19 provides Chinese-language resources, academic writings, and a curated list of over 100 independent media platforms. It also offers translated investigative reports on issues ranging from hospital safety post-SARS to migrant detention abuses, making crucial information accessible to Chinese audiences inside and outside the country.

RSF describes Circle 19 as an essential resource in countering disinformation and propaganda. The group’s influence extends to the international stage, with events such as a Paris symposium in 2023 helping to amplify its voice among journalists, academics, and policymakers.

At a time when China ranks near the bottom of global press freedom indexes and continues to imprison journalists and suppress dissent, Circle 19 offers a rare and necessary platform for resistance. Its commitment to blending cultural legitimacy with global advocacy makes it a unique force in the struggle for information freedom.

By asserting that the right to know is not foreign—but fundamental—Circle 19 pushes back against authoritarian narratives and reclaims the space for truth in China.