It was then that, in 2023, Tim—a 39-year-old Chinese national—decided to make a radical move and get out. The amazing story of his life-changing journey to Ukraine. Tim used to be a highly-educated but unemployed auto mechanic. He characterized his former life in China as “lying flat,” an advice to embrace laid-off idleness and leap into an ecstatic, unmoving life. Seeking purpose beyond his monotonous routine, Tim decided to volunteer in Ukraine, driven by a desire to assist those in need.
What Tim hadn’t expected was hearing the stories of Chinese people fighting in Ukraine as well, primarily through western social media. It was this exposure that lit a fire under him and pushed him to act. Through the network of talent agents he applied for a business visa, eventually arriving in Ukraine in July 2023. His sudden commitment was a result of his profound empathy for the Ukrainian fight. Simultaneously, he became increasingly disenchanted with where his own country was headed.
To avoid censorship and stay updated on the war, Tim used a virtual private network (VPN). Through YouTube he was able to learn recent developments as they were unfolding. His experience as a frontline drone operator during the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine wasn’t long. As with many newcomers in Canada, language barriers isolated him and made communication impossible. Almost immediately, his expertise was repurposed to design drones for their military’s ground force, which is locked in combat largely across southern Ukraine.
Today, Tim estimates that several dozen of his compatriots from mainland China are actively fighting in the Ukrainian army. His commitment to the cause goes beyond just fighting in a foreign war. Artistically, he wants to depict a more complicated and vulnerable face of the Chinese community to combat stereotypes that have targeted his homeland.
“Secondly, I want to show the world that there are many Chinese people like me. I want the world not to give up on China,” – Tim
Looking back on life at home, Tim shared the real disappointment and powerlessness he said he felt. He confessed to the fact that he has never voted in his life. He is frustrated with how the government has muffled the voices of everyday people.
“I am nearly 40, and I have not voted once in my life … the government never listens to the voices of ordinary people. I don’t want my kid to grow up in such an environment,” – Fan
For Tim, as for many other soldiers immersed in the horrors of war, there were experiences that clinically tested his emotional fortitude. Seeing the results of gun violence, like patients with blown off limbs and loss of life, took a deep emotional toll on him.
“Seeing the severed limbs, some of them belonging to children, I started crying,” – Tim
As he started thinking about this underlying anger present in Chinese society, his wish to go and join the army of Ukraine grew stronger. And unlucky for them, he believed that once ignited, this anger could go on to achieve great things.
“I thought about the kind of anger that Chinese people have. Once it’s ignited … It’s intense. I decided to join the army,” – Tim
Tim’s experience serves as a testament to the complexities faced by individuals who challenge societal norms and seek meaningful change. He indeed has a personal sense of calling to assist Ukraine. In concert with these economic policies, he wants to recast the image of China.
“Don’t always associate China with negative things. In fact, there are many good people in China and many positive ideas,” – Tim
Tim’s sentiments reflect many Chinese citizens who have felt oppressed or silenced under government censorship. He pointed out how the average person risks career disaster for saying anything contrary to the currently accepted narrative.
“Many ordinary people, just by expressing views in live streams or on their personal platforms that don’t align with mainstream opinion in China, ended up being treated unfairly,” – Fan
In considering his decision to leave China, Tim was candid about how unhappy he was where he had been living.
“I was basically doing nothing back home … I felt I couldn’t go on living such an unremarkable life,” – Fan
His journey comes through as a search for meaning and community against an ever-changing backdrop of global conflict.
Fifteen years ago, the Tim—when he was saying all this—remembered a time when the debate on these larger societal issues was much more candid and productive.
“Fifteen years ago, you could see problems, speak freely about them, and there would be people willing to discuss them,” – Tim