Wang Dan
October13, 2025
Shocking news that Mr. Wan Runnan passed away in Paris on the morning of October 13 at the age of 79
Mr. Wan Runnan founded Sitong Company in 1980, which later became the largest private enterprise in China and played a driving role in the development of China’s private economy. In 1989, when the pro-democracy movement broke out, Sitong Company and Mr. Wan Runnan actively participated and gave strong support. That was also my first meeting with Lao Wan. After the June Fourth incident, Mr. Man Runnan devoted himself wholeheartedly to overseas pro-democracy movements and played a leading role, until he had to retire from France
due to health reasons Lao Wan was a Confucian businessman of his generation, full of social responsibility for China’s democratization and putting it into practice. For China to change, the entrepreneurial class must bravely stand up and join forces with social forces. In this regard, Mr. Wan Runnan is undoubtedly a pioneer. History will remember his achievements
Last year, I went to France and even visited Lao Wan specifically. At that time, he showed great openness about his physical condition, which was admirable. His passing is not only a loss for China’s democratic cause, but also a personal loss for myself, because I lost a respected elder, a big brother
who could guide and teach me Lao Wan Rest 
Source: Wang Dan’s Facebook