Labor Rights Advocate Feng Rui Detained; Charges Remain Unclear

(Rights Defense Network Information Center report) On October 6, 2026, this outlet reported, citing Ming Pao, that “Xiao Wu” (real name Feng Rui), a self-media blogger who has long focused on labor rights in China, has been detained and has met with a lawyer. Feng Rui has long operated the WeChat public account “Chiapas East Wind TV,” focusing on the labor rights of groups including food-delivery riders, white-collar workers and migrant workers. His team has documented labor rights incidents in China for five consecutive years.

Ming Pao recently published the following report in [Ming Pao News] about Feng Rui’s detention:

“Xiao Wu” (real name Feng Rui), a self-media blogger who has long focused on labor rights in China, was reported missing on September 30. The WeChat public account he operates, “Chiapas East Wind TV,” stopped updating on September 14, and an earlier long article, “2025 Labor Rights Incidents,” was deleted. It has been confirmed that he was detained by the relevant authorities and met with a lawyer. The specific offense he may be suspected of remains unclear.

Opposing the use of “delivery-order bonuses” in place of labor protections

“Chiapas East Wind TV” has long spoken out for grassroots workers and labor rights. On December 31, 2025, the platform published an annual report, “2025 Labor Rights Incidents,” of more than 100,000 Chinese characters, compiled by a volunteer team. It was the team’s fifth consecutive year documenting the difficulties faced by workers across industries. Before Xiao Wu went missing, the article was deleted.

Xiao Wu has previously spoken out for the rights of groups including food-delivery riders, white-collar workers and migrant workers. He has called on platforms, the government and consumers to recognize that riders face increased health risks from working in high temperatures, and opposed platforms using “delivery-order bonuses” as a substitute for labor protections. The government has included new rules with the same substance in the Measures for Occupational Injury Protection for Workers in New Forms of Employment. Xiao Wu has also criticized employers for expanding “non-compete agreements” for white-collar office workers without limit, effectively extending workers’ personal dependence on companies.

This outlet will continue to follow Feng Rui’s situation.