A self-published writer who has spoken up for China’s grassroots workers for years has disappeared.
Xiao Wu (real name Feng Rui), who writes about labour rights in China, has been out of contact, according to a report by Hong Kong’s Ming Pao. His WeChat public account, “Chiapas Dongfeng TV”, has not been updated since 14 September. A report of about 100,000 characters he previously published, 2025 Review of Labour Rights Incidents, has also been taken down.
Ming Pao reported that “it has been confirmed externally that he has been detained by the authorities and has met with a lawyer”, adding that the specific offence he is suspected of remains unclear.
Through the account, Xiao Wu gave a voice to China’s grassroots workers. It has published an annual “labour rights incidents” review for the past five years, documenting the hardships of workers across many industries. [Read the full report here (Chinese only: https://bit.ly/47E7gty]
He has also written in-depth pieces on labour issues over the years. These include the health risks to food delivery riders working in extreme heat, platforms using order-completion bonuses in place of worker protections, and the “996” overwork culture (working 9am to 9pm, six days a week). He has also written about the “right to disconnect” in the digital age.
News of his detention has drawn strong concern among people who follow social issues and labour advocacy.
Advocacy groups have called on the public to pay attention to his safety and to stand with others who have faced pressure for speaking up on labour rights.