After 10-month hiatus Initiatives for China assumes ownership
China Aid cosponsors effort
Washington, D.C. — The pro democracy movement, Initiatives for China, announced today that it assumed ownership of YiBao (China E-Weekly), the popular online magazine of ideas and opinion on contemporary political, social, and economic issues facing China.
In early 2009, following the dissolution of Foundation for China in the 21st Centruy, which previously published the magazine, YiBao stopped publication. Requests to resume publication from many former readers reached Dr. Yang Jianli, founder of YiBao and former president of Foundation for China in the 21st Century. (File photo at left: Yang Jianli speaking at Defense Forum Foundation Luncheon, April, 2009)
YiBao resumes publication as a joint effort between Initiatives for China and China Aid, the Texas-based human rights organization. It can be read at www.yibaochina.com.
According to the newly appointed editor-in-chief, Mr.Yang Kuanxing, “YiBao is a citizens’ publication which gives room for a variety of views and opinions without preference for themes or forms. We especially welcome fact-based articles of high quality with substance. We solicit material that is fair, rational, and moderate. Most importantly, YiBao will provide an open platform for independent thinkers.”
Yibao will have “citizen reporters” from China and across the world. An English language version will be available before the end of the year.
YiBao was originally established in 2001 by Foundation for China in the 21st Century. Through eight years of hard work and joint efforts by many people in and outside China, it was acclaimed as one of the most influential e-publications among Chinese readers, with readership in the millions.
In announcing YiBao’s revival , Dr. Yang Jianli, President of Initatives for China, expressed his gratitude to those who made contributions to support YiBao, and thanked the former YiBao staff for their hard work especially during the five years when he was in prison. “Without their persistent efforts, YiBao would probably have been long gone,” Yang said.
The new magazine will continue to “uphold the principles of freedom of expression and emancipation of the mind and strive to provide readers with more and valuable articles and information,” Yang added. In addition to the traditional sections such as “YiBao Weekly” and “Online Petitions,” the new publication will add some sections. The “China Spring” section will remember those early pioneers who fought for democracy and human rights abroad.
YiBao‘s staff also includes president, Dr. Yang Jianli, office director Mr. Zhang Xiaogang, and deputy editor Jim Geheran. The former YiBao website www.chinaeweekly.com continues to work, along with an additional one: at www.yibaochina.com.