In memory of Mr. Wan Runnan
. The China Democratic United League respectfully mourns Mr. Wan Runnan with a heavy heart.
Mr. Wan Runnan was one of the most outstanding entrepreneurs in the early days of China’s reform and opening up, a pioneer of intellectual enlightenment and corporate reform, and a symbol of freedom, responsibility, and personal independence. With the rationality of a Tsinghua scholar and the courage of an idealist, he founded “Sitong Company”—one of China’s earliest private technology enterprises—which propelled the budding of China’s information industry and shaped the modern paradigm of Chinese corporate culture.
He once said: “We are engaged in a cause—the cause of reform; We are establishing an image—the image of a reformer. This is not only his expectation for the people of Sitong but also a call to the spirit of the entire nation. Facing the pressures of power and the limitations of the system, he always maintained clarity of mind and moral courage; Faced with the temptation of wealth, he firmly believed that “money has the allure, but only a career has cohesion.” Facing his personal fate, he chose exile with firm faith, leaving the spark for China’s future with free thought.
Mr. Wan Runnan’s life is a microcosm of modern Chinese intellectuals’ pursuit of truth, defense of dignity, and exploration of freedom. His passing was a major loss for China’s democratic cause and another heavy farewell to the idealistic spirit of reform.
We cherish his wisdom and courage, inherit his belief in “rebirth through desperate circumstances,” and continue to walk his unfinished path—striving to build a free, just, and democratic China.
This article expresses our deepest condolences and respect.
May you rest in peace, sir, and may your thoughts endure forever.
China Democratic Unity Alliance respectfully mourns
October 13
, 2025
Xue Wei, former chairman of the China Democratic Federation and overseas distributor of Beijing Spring, who is currently visiting Taiwan, expressed deep condolences over Mr. Wan Runnan’s passing and earnestly asked Mr. Wang Jinzhong, vice chairman of the China Democratic Federation, to represent all friends in the United States with the Democratic League and Democratic Front to convey their remembrance and reluctance to part with Mr. Wan Runnan. Dear friends, we know: you left with ten thousand regrets, but we, the ones who die, will repay you with ten thousand hopes. Ah! Friend, goodbye …..
mourning the passing of Mr. Wan Runnan
.Xie Hong
: On October 15, 2025
, I was shocked to hear of Mr. Wan Runnan’s unfortunate passing. In my grief, The past resurfaces in my mind, hard to calm down.
Recalling the time around theSixth National Congress of the Democratic League in 1993, the days spent with Lao Wan remain vivid in my mind. At that time, I was just in my early thirties. Lao Wan, with the demeanor of an elder and the heart of a wise man, earnestly taught and guided me. I still remember this deeply and subtly influence my future life and growth.
Thinking of it today, my eyes are moist and tears blur. I remember about seven or eight years ago, I exchanged some small talk with Lao Wan on WeChat. I asked about his recent condition, and he replied, “Everything is fine, but my health isn’t what it used to be.” “I advised him to pay attention to his nutrition and take some supplements, and after that, we lost contact. Unexpectedly, it turned out to be a final farewell.
I remember in 1993, when Old Wan was staying at Huang Zhaobang’s brother’s home, he earnestly said, “In our lifetime, perhaps we will see China’s democratization ……” Unfortunately, fate was unfavorable; Lao Wan never lived to witness the collapse of the CCP and the day China returned to freedom and democracy. Yet human ambitions may be fulfilled in heaven. Heaven’s will is clear; everyone says “Heaven will destroy the CCP.” Perhaps in heaven, Lao Wan is discussing this plan with God, overlooking the world and protecting all beings.
Lao Wan was wise and sharp throughout his life, a visionary politician. In early 1993, at the Hyatt Regency Washington, I witnessed firsthand his calmness in the face of crisis and his composure in handling political crises, which I deeply admire—a memory I still remember to this day.
Old Wan often enjoyed reciting prayer beads, and there was always a faint spot on his forehead, clearly showing his profound Buddha nature and extraordinary cultivation.
Suitable for teachers, suitable for fathers, suitable for friends—this feeling and friendship will never be forgotten.
Old Wan, may you rest in
peace along the way, with God in heaven,
continuing to watch over our unfinished ideals.
— Stanley Xie Respectfully