"100% Chinese" Renounces U.S. Citizenship
"Angry About Negative Stories Related to China"
Donnie Yen, who led the golden age of Hong Kong action films, expressed his political views on the Hong Kong protests. In a recent interview with the men's magazine GQ, Donnie Yen revealed his pro-China stance by saying, "I am a proud Chinese."
Having recently renounced his U.S. citizenship, Donnie Yen said, "Most people outside of China do not see this," adding, "I have traveled to many countries around the world, but the development of highways, architecture, and convenience of life is far behind that of China."
He also expressed frustration, saying, "I get angry at the negative stories related to China," and complained, "Foreign media such as BBC and CNN never mention this or reveal the truth. But I am there, aren't I?"
Furthermore, he referred to the 2019 pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong as "riots." Donnie Yen said, "I was there (during the protests), and many of my friends were there," adding, "Many people may not be satisfied with what I say, but I am speaking from my experience."
At the same time, he claimed, "From big Hollywood movies to TV, Apple, Netflix, and all video products, all these action films have been influenced by Hong Kong cinema in some way," and argued, "Hollywood has ignored Asian actors, but over the years it has adopted the visual techniques and metaphors of Hong Kong films."
He went on to say that Hollywood's offers no longer appeal to him, adding, "If I cannot express my creativity, it is not worth spending my time."
The Hong Kong protests Donnie Yen mentioned began in June 2019, triggered by the Legislative Council's deliberation of the extradition bill, and escalated into large-scale anti-government protests involving millions over six months. Although protests of the same scale no longer occur, controversy arose last month when a song symbolizing anti-government protests was played after Hong Kong defeated Iran in a match at the Ice Hockey World Championship held in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, on the 28th.
Additionally, China announced new broadcasting license requirements last month, mandating that the three free commercial TV channels and two radio stations currently operating in Hong Kong must broadcast programs related to national education, national identity, and the National Security Law for at least 30 minutes every week.
Donnie Yen was born in Guangdong Province, China, and moved to Hong Kong with his father at the age of two. He later settled in Boston, USA, from the age of ten and began his acting career in Hong Kong as an adult. He gained popularity through the 'Ip Man' series and appeared in Hollywood films such as 'Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,' 'xXx: Return of Xander Cage,' 'Mulan,' and 'John Wick 4.'
After renouncing his U.S. permanent residency, Donnie Yen has emphasized, "I am 100% Chinese." He supported the 'Hong Kong National Security Law' proposed by China during the Hong Kong protests and expressed opposition to the protests. In January, he was listed among 112 members of the cultural and arts sector of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.
Meanwhile, Donnie Yen's remarks on the Hong Kong protests have sparked backlash among Hong Kong netizens. Some netizens demanded the withdrawal of his invitation to the Academy Awards, stating, "The Oscars, a global film awards ceremony, should show respect for human rights and moral values, not support for oppression and violation."
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