类似的巨变也在其他金融巨头身上上演:摩根大通在纽约的员工人数已从约3万人缩减至2.4万人,而其德克萨斯州团队的规模却逆势增长至3.2万人;管理着数千亿美元资产的阿波罗全球管理(Apollo Global Management),也在积极筹划于“阳光地带”设立第二总部。经济数据显示,仅在过去一年,纽约市就流失了近5000家企业;而在2020年至2024年间,纽约州更有近900家企业迁出,直接带走了数百亿美元的应税收入。
Leipzig Declaration on Peace and Constitutionalism — Commemorating the Ninth Anniversary of the Passing of Mr. Liu Xiaobo
In 2026, we are holding a symposium in Leipzig, Germany, to commemorate Mr. Liu Xiaobo and discuss constitutional democracy in China.
Leipzig is a city with a democratic tradition and profound historical significance. It was here that a pivotal chapter of the democratic movements in Eastern Europe unfolded; the peace prayers at St. Nicholas Church rallied the people through peaceful and rational means, ultimately driving a historic social transformation.
Throughout his life, Liu Xiaobo strove for a future of freedom, human rights, and constitutional democracy in China. Guided by the core principles of peace, rationality, and non-violence, he left behind a significant intellectual legacy for China’s democratic journey. In the final stages of his life, Mr. Liu issued the solemn declaration: “I have no enemies, and I harbor no hatred.” This statement represents not merely a political philosophy, but a profound humanistic spirit in the face of historical suffering. It reminds us that for a nation to truly advance toward freedom and democracy, it requires not only institutional change but also the spiritual strength to transcend hatred and embrace reconciliation.
We respect and draw upon the experiences of non-violent democratic movements worldwide. Renouncing violence and adopting rational, pragmatic methods are crucial principles for minimizing social division, breaking cycles of history, and achieving a just transition. Replacing retribution with the rule of law, replacing hatred with justice, and securing the future through institutional safeguards represent a vital direction for Chinese society’s journey toward modern civilization.
We believe that China’s future political transition must be grounded in the rights of the people, the principles of the rule of law, and democratic institutions. Historical wrongs and injuries should be addressed through open, lawful, and civilized processes to achieve truth, justice, and social reconciliation, rather than descending into private vendettas and endless conflict. While we uphold the fundamental principles of peace, rationality, and non-violence, we also acknowledge the complexities inherent in historical processes. In the face of profound social change, we respect the people’s right to pursue freedom and dignity, and we oppose indiscriminate violence and cycles of hatred. We hope that future changes in China will bring about a peaceful, orderly, and just transition—one achieved with minimal harm and the broadest possible social consensus.
We observe and study the experiences of democratic transitions around the world. The development of democracy in Taiwan offers a significant reference for Chinese-speaking societies as they explore paths toward peaceful and orderly political transformation. Future constitutional development in China should actively incorporate international experience regarding the protection of human rights, the establishment of the rule of law, and the functioning of democratic institutions, while fostering engagement with democratic forces globally.
We believe that a truly robust democratic system relies not merely on electoral processes, but on civic spirit, a culture of the rule of law, checks and balances on power, and respect for fundamental human rights.
Today, Chinese society is undergoing profound change. Whatever historical turning points may lie ahead, we hope that China can avoid cycles of violence and achieve a peaceful, orderly, and just social transformation.
We firmly believe that the power of moral conviction will not vanish, and the pursuit of freedom, dignity, and justice will not cease. The efforts made by countless individuals toward the ideals of democracy, the rule of law, and human rights in China will not be forgotten by history.
We issue this joint statement in Leipzig:
We will uphold the spirit of peace, rationality, and non-violence embodied by Mr. Liu Xiaobo, while we fully anticipate the various complex situations that may arise during the democratic transition; we will advance the development of concepts regarding democratic constitutionalism in China; we will advocate for the rule of law, freedom, human rights, and social reconciliation; and, together with the Chinese people, we will strive to build a future China that is free, just, democratic, and peaceful.
We will uphold the spirit of peace, rationality, and non-violence embodied by Mr. Liu Xiaobo, while acknowledging the complex situations that may arise during the process of historical transformation; we will advance the development of concepts regarding democratic constitutionalism in China; we will advocate for the rule of law, freedom, human rights, and social reconciliation; and, together with the Chinese people, we will strive to build a future China that is free, just, democratic, and peaceful.