Summary
- A top economist in China has gone missing after making critical comments about the country’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic on private WeChat messages.
- The disappearance of Xu Zhangrun, known for his outspoken criticisms of the Chinese government, has raised concerns about academic freedom and censorship in China.
- Xu had previously been placed under investigation by authorities for his writings and was warned to stop speaking out against the government.
- The incident highlights the challenges faced by intellectuals and academics who dare to voice dissent in a tightly controlled society like China.