In the midst of war-torn Ukraine, a former Chinese police officer is on a unique mission: bringing the comfort of bubble tea to those struggling to stay sane amidst the chaos. But this story is about more than just a beverage; it's about courage, defiance, and the power of standing up for what you believe in, even in the face of adversity. A tale of resilience in the darkest of times.
Brother Dong, a Chinese-German volunteer, makes a monthly pilgrimage from Frankfurt to Berlin and then across Poland to Ukraine, all for the sake of tapioca pearls. These pearls are not just a drink ingredient; they symbolize his solidarity with a nation besieged by China's closest ally. And he's not alone; a small group of Chinese volunteers in Ukraine share his sentiment, driven by a distrust of authoritarianism and a desire to support democracy.
But here's where it gets controversial: while some Chinese citizens in Ukraine find a voice for their political beliefs, their actions come at a steep price. Harassment from Beijing is a constant threat, affecting not only them but also their families back home. Despite this, Brother Dong has opened four 'Maomi cafes' across Ukrainian cities, offering a range of Asian treats. These shops, he clarifies, are for-profit ventures, though they haven't turned a profit yet.
Bubble tea, a Taiwanese favorite, has become a popular drink across China and East Asia. It's a drink with countless flavors, but the classic version is a sweetened milky tea with chewy tapioca 'bubbles' made from cassava root. Brother Dong's cafes are adorned with pictures of fallen Chinese and Taiwanese soldiers who volunteered to fight against the Russian invasion. This is his way of ensuring their sacrifice is not forgotten, and a reminder to the youth that courage runs deep in their blood.
His round trips can be as long as 5,000km, and he carries more than just bubble tea ingredients. Blankets, gloves, and portable heaters are among the supplies he brings to help Ukrainians endure the harsh winter. Along with a team of volunteers known as the 'Odesa Fighting Cats', Brother Dong distributes these goods across the country, including to his four cafes. These cafes, he emphasizes, are not just businesses but a way to leave a glimmer of hope in the darkness.
A growing band of Chinese volunteers is defying Beijing's stance: even as China claims neutrality and calls for peace, its trade with Russia has surged since the invasion began in February 2022. There are increasing concerns about China's support for Russia's military, especially in the supply of weapon parts. In Russian-occupied areas like Luhansk, Chinese businesses are reportedly opening, including a school teaching Russian to students. Meanwhile, Chinese volunteers in Ukraine face heightened suspicion and scrutiny at the border.
The artist Du Yinghong, who left China for Thailand in 2022, is another brave soul who traveled to Ukraine to show his support. Painted in the colors of the Ukrainian flag, he meets locals and plans to open an art gallery near Kyiv. These volunteers aim to highlight the ethnically Chinese individuals who have fought and died for Ukraine, like Peng Chenliang and Tseng Sheng-guang. Their actions also represent a rebellion against the Chinese Communist Party's pro-Russia media narrative.
Brother Dong's awakening began during the COVID-19 pandemic. When his mother-in-law fell ill, pandemic restrictions prevented her from getting medical care, leading to her death. This tragedy made him question his lifelong loyalty to the CCP. He realized that the party he once loved had violated human dignity, and this realization led him to seek German citizenship.
A thought-provoking question arises: Is there a connection between the pandemic and the war in Ukraine? Brother Dong believes so, seeing both as manifestations of authoritarian desires. Feeling powerless during the pandemic, he now channels his energy into supporting Ukraine, seeing a parallel struggle against authoritarianism.
However, this support comes with risks. Brother Dong has been detained and interrogated by Chinese border agents, who scrutinized his activities in Ukraine. Despite this, he remains determined to support Ukraine peacefully, inspired by the mothers and children who remind him of his own family.
What do you think? Is Brother Dong's journey a testament to the power of individual action in the face of global conflicts? Or is it a cautionary tale of the risks one takes when challenging powerful regimes?
