Wang Zhian Absent as Chen Guangcheng’s High-Profile Lawsuit Begins in Japan

By Li Muzi, Vision Times

On Feb. 10, the defamation lawsuit filed by exiled Chinese human rights lawyer Chen Guangcheng against former CCTV journalist and self-media commentator Wang Zhian formally opened in a Tokyo court. But the suit drew widespread attention after Wang failed to appear in person.

Chen, who currently lives in the United States, has accused Wang (who now resides in Japan) of spreading falsehoods and defamatory claims. The case was heard at the Tokyo District Court, marking the first official court session in a dispute that has become closely watched among overseas Chinese activist circles.

RELATED: Tokyo Court Accepts Chen Guangcheng Defamation Lawsuit Against Wang Zhian

‘Defendant did not appear’

On Feb. 10, Chen posted an update on X, writing: “My lawsuit against Wang Zhian for reputational infringement officially began at 1:10 p.m. Tokyo time in Courtroom 612. Three lawyers on our side were present. The defendant did not appear. The judge decided to proceed according to normal procedure today. Our lawyers requested default arguments, and the judge and clerk reviewed the materials. The courtroom was packed.”

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Chen later shared what he called “courtroom notes,” reportedly written by an audience member observing the hearing. The notes stated that all 20 seats in the gallery were filled, with Chen’s legal team present while both Wang and his lawyers were absent. Proceedings began promptly at 13:10.

RELATED: Chinese Exile Chen Guangcheng: If US and Allies Apply Pressure, Imprisoned Dissidents Could Be Free

According to the summary, the judge noted that because the defendant had submitted a written response as required, the court permitted the first session to proceed in his absence. The next hearing was scheduled for April 7 at 2 p.m., to be conducted through the court’s professional online system, and the defendant will be required to attend.

Supporters gather outside court

The first hearing attracted significant attention among Chinese residents in Japan, many of whom gathered outside the courthouse to show support for Chen.

Chen reposted footage recorded by a young attendee named Gangzi, who described seeing Chen’s legal team outside the Tokyo District Court, along with long lines of supporters. In the video, demonstrators held signs in both Chinese and Japanese with slogans accusing Wang of misconduct, including:

Two individuals were also seen distributing leaflets titled “Wang Zhian’s Five Major Evils,” listing accusations such as “lying and defamation,” “humiliating lawyers,” “insulting the vulnerable,” “domestic abuse,” and “mistreating employees.” The leaflet also asked the question: “Does such a person deserve to speak of ‘justice’? Does he deserve to be a ‘judge’ of public opinion?”

Chen seeks massive damages

On Feb. 6, Chen released a formal statement announcing that he had filed the lawsuit on Dec. 24, 2025, seeking damages totaling 330 million yen. Chen said the case stems from a YouTube video posted by Wang on Aug. 18, 2025, titled: “Is Chen Guangcheng Really Blind?” Chen stated that Wang repeatedly claimed: “Chen Guangcheng is not blind. His eyes are fine!”

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Chen further accused Wang of manipulating content to undermine his credibility: “Wang Zhian used edited clips, selective quotations, conceptual substitution, and leaps in reasoning to reach the conclusion that ‘Chen Guangcheng is not blind, his eyes are fine’ and that ‘Chen Guangcheng is not blind, it is society that is blind,’ and used this to further deny my character, integrity, and the legitimacy of my long-term public advocacy.”

Chen concluded with a broader statement on accountability: “I have always believed that speech has boundaries, and freedom has weight. Let evidence enter the courtroom, let rules clarify right and wrong. This is my answer to rumors, and my most basic respect for public discourse.”

Political reactions

Prominent Chinese democracy activist and former Tiananmen student leader Tang Baiqiao voiced strong support, writing: “We must support Chen Guangcheng! All people whose conscience is still awake should support him…” Tang argued the case extends beyond Chen himself, citing other individuals he says Wang has publicly insulted.

Independent commentator Du Wen also weighed in, stating: “Without seeing Mr. Chen Guangcheng’s case file and evidence, it is difficult to offer a professional opinion, but one thing is certain: publicly attacking and humiliating a disabled person has nothing to do with freedom of speech… Therefore I have absolute confidence that Mr. Chen will win.”

Wang Zhian’s failure to appear at the first hearing triggered intense reaction online, with some commenters claiming it amounted to surrendering his opportunity to respond in court. One netizen wrote: “The defendant not appearing and allowing default arguments is basically equivalent to giving up on rebuttal in court…” Others mocked Wang’s absence and questioned his credibility as a public commentator.