Former Shenzhen fitness coach Chen Weijie, who made his daring journey to the United States in May 2023, declares he will never return to China unless the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) rule ends.
An ancient simplicity at the foothills of the Panamanian jungle
Upon his arrival at the base of the Panamanian jungle, Chen Weijie was met with the sight of many indigenous people. Their way of life might have been backward, but their simplicity and honesty were striking. In Chen’s own words: “They are an ancient and primitive race.”
Perilous trek through the jungle
Entering the jungle the next day, Chen Weijie soon realized the journey would be treacherous. “The trek through the Panama rainforest is arduous. I nearly didn’t make it through the 70-plus kilometers (43 miles) because there are steel plates, screws, and steel wires in my legs [from the accident repairs], and it hurt after walking for a long time.”
Two days and three nights of unyielding determination
“I walked for two days and three nights. Sometimes it rained heavily, and I couldn’t keep my eyes open. I also carried an eight-year-old child. His father’s shoes slipped, his grandpa lost strength, and his mother could not manage the task. I just walked extremely slowly, step by step, especially uphill. It was windy, and the guide warned that branches could fall from the tree tops and they would hit our heads. In the end, we came out of the rainforest safely.”
A helping hand in times of desperation
Throughout the journey, Chen Weijie helped numerous people. He had prepared beef jerky, water purification tablets, plastic cups, quick-dry clothes, non-slip shoes, and tents, but even so, he was often wet and his phone had water damage. He encountered many South Americans, including infants and children and some women wearing headscarves, who had nothing to eat, and he shared his supplies with those in greater need. In Tapachula, he gave money to those sitting next to bus stops who had no money for fare or food.
The price of kindness
“In fact, it may only cost RMB 60,000 to 70,000 (US$ 8,400 to US$9,800 ) to get to the U.S., but I spent RMB 120,000 to 130,000 yuan (US$16,800 to US$18,300). Because first, I don’t value money very much, and second, I think money can do more meaningful things.” As far as he’s concerned, it’s better to give it to someone who has no food and no place to live so they can be happy for a day or two. Chen Weijie, who has become a Christian in recent years, believes in a world filled with love and that all people are inherently good.
Dangerous crossing in Honduras
The boat ride in Honduras was fraught with danger. “In the last few days, 30 people packed inside a boat. The boat capsized, and the smuggler lead didn’t dare to rescue them because they were illegal immigrants. Twenty people fell into the water, and one probably fainted, drowned, and died.”
A treacherous journey through Mexico
The journey through Mexico was equally perilous, as they were frequently searched by gangs and corrupt police officers. No matter where they hid their money, it was always found. They would leave a few dozen dollars for each search and hide money with local people. “This is what we have experienced. They just want money. First, they don’t want your mobile phone or your passport. They just want your money.”
Arrival in the United States
From Mexico City, they took a bus for three days and nights to Mexicali, after which they paid a sum of US$600 to a local gang. In return, they received an armed escort to the U.S.-Mexico border. They crossed in the dark and were spotted by U.S. police, who took them to an immigration facility.
A warm welcome in a new land
Chen Weijie will always remember the day he entered the United States on May 15th. “We took out our passports, registered, and were taken to a car. It took about 20 minutes to arrive at another immigration center. People from dozens of countries live there. The environment is very good, clean with air conditioning. Sanitation is done every four hours, and everything is disinfected. Meals are delivered every four hours, with fruit, milk, hamburgers, sandwiches, and hot water, with sponge mats on the floor. They really cared for us.”
A new life begins in New York
Maybe it was because they saw that Chen Weijie had a thigh injury, but he was released by the immigration facility after just one day. Now in New York, he’s learning to become a masseur. Since coming to the United States, Chen Weijie feels that every day is free and happy. The cost of living is low and there are kindhearted people.
No turning back
Chen Weijie laments: “In China, the existence of such an evil party has made me unhappy all my life. Despite my skills — I have a chef’s certificate, I can operate excavators, and I know welding — I could hardly support myself in China, which is sad.”
On June 2nd, he participated in the march commemorating the 34th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre in Manhattan, New York, and walked to the Chinese Consulate.
“Perhaps I can’t do much, but I want to do what I can,” he says.
See Part 1 here.
Translated by Chua BC
