February 23rd 2025.
Each year, a staggering number of children, ranging from 20,000 to 200,000, are reported missing in China. These alarming statistics come from both child protection organizations and media outlets in the country. While some of these children are eventually located, many remain lost in a vast network of human trafficking, causing immense suffering for their families who tirelessly search for them for years on end.
One parent who has endured this unimaginable nightmare is Du Xiaohua, who has spent 26 years desperately searching for his abducted son. It all started with a simple moment, when his child innocently said, "Dad, I'm going out to play for a while," and then disappeared within minutes. Since then, Du has dedicated his life to finding his son, traveling to numerous cities and provinces, following every lead, and connecting with other parents going through the same ordeal.
The scourge of child trafficking in China is fueled by complex societal and economic factors. For decades, the one-child policy and societal preference for male heirs have created a demand for trafficked boys. This demand, coupled with lax law enforcement and corruption, has allowed trafficking networks to thrive. Shockingly, purchasing a kidnapped child was not even considered a crime in China until 2015, making it easier for traffickers to operate with impunity.
In recent years, technology has become a crucial tool in the search for missing children. Social media platforms like Douyin and Weibo have helped parents spread awareness and connect with their lost children. Du, now in his late fifties, relies on these digital platforms to share his son's photos and story, hoping that someone, somewhere, might recognize him.
Despite facing overwhelming obstacles, Du refuses to give up. His fight is no longer just about finding his own son, but also about shedding light on China's child trafficking crisis and advocating for stronger laws to protect other families from enduring the same heartbreak. And so, his relentless search continues, fueled by one unwavering belief: one day, he will be reunited with his son. Until then, he will keep fighting.
If you want to learn more about Du's story and the larger issue of child trafficking in China, you can watch the documentary by CNA Insider here.
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