Brother Dong: A Chinese Volunteer Offering Hope in Ukraine

In a world shaken by conflict, finding a way to maintain one’s sanity and support those in need can seem daunting. However, for Brother Dong, a Chinese-German volunteer in Ukraine, this mission takes the form of bubble tea. Traveling from Frankfurt to Ukraine, he is not just about serving drinks. His story is one of solidarity, courage, and hope amidst adversity.

The Journey Begins

Brother Dong, a 52-year-old former officer in China’s People’s Armed Police, makes a monthly trek to gather tapioca pearls from a warehouse in Berlin. His mission is deeply personal and symbolic, driving across Poland to deliver these ingredients to Ukraine. For him, this simple product represents support for a nation facing immense turmoil, particularly as it stands against China’s primary ally.

A small group of Chinese individuals in Ukraine, like Brother Dong, express their support for Kyiv, fueled by a profound distrust of authoritarianism. With limited avenues to voice their political beliefs in China, many Chinese citizens in Ukraine feel empowered to take a stand in the broader struggle between democracy and dictatorship. However, this bravery comes with risks, including harassment from the Chinese government impacting both their lives and their families.

Opening Doors Through Bubble Tea

In November 2022, Brother Dong opened the first of his bubble tea cafes in Odesa, raising over $12,000 via crowdfunding from the Chinese diaspora. Today, he operates four “Maomi cafes” across different Ukrainian cities, serving an array of Asian beverages and snacks. Although his endeavors are financially driven, he admits that profitability has not yet been achieved.

Bubble tea, Taiwan’s unofficial national drink, has captured hearts across Asia, characterized by its sweet and milky flavor coupled with chewy tapioca “bubbles.” Inside the cafes, walls are lined with images of Chinese and Taiwanese volunteer soldiers who lost their lives in defending Ukraine. “We do this to ensure they are not forgotten,” Dong shared during a video call from Frankfurt, hoping to inspire youth with the message: “We, the Chinese and Taiwanese, have courage in our blood, and we will help you.”

Each round trip for Brother Dong can exceed 5,000 kilometers. Beyond bubble tea supplies, he also brings blankets, gloves, and heaters for the harsh Ukrainian winters. Upon entering the western city of Lviv, he and a small team known as the “Odesa Fighting Cats” distribute these essential goods across the country, including to his bubble tea locations. He describes these shops as a beacon of light amid darkness rather than a strict business model.

Braving Challenges and Fostering Kinship

As international relations between China and Ukraine grow increasingly complex, Brother Dong’s work becomes even more critical. Although the Chinese government claims neutrality, its growing trade relations with Russia have raised alarms about potential military support. Meanwhile, there are reports of Chinese businesses launching in Russian-occupied territories in Ukraine.

This geopolitical tension has fostered an environment of suspicion. Volunteers, including Brother Dong, have faced heightened scrutiny, sometimes experiencing thorough checks at borders. However, figures like brother Dong and artist Du Yinghong are determined to shift perceptions, highlighting their commitment to a just cause.

Du, who fled China for Thailand in 2022, traveled to Ukraine dressed in the national colors to rally support for those affected by the war. He aims to establish an art gallery near Kyiv to foster community interactions. “Everyone here has a slogan that boosts their national spirit: ‘Slava Ukraini’,” he remarked, emphasizing unity.

This emerging Chinese diaspora seeks to honor those of Chinese descent lost in the battle for Ukraine while carving out an independent identity from the Chinese Communist Party’s narrative, which largely sidelines support for Ukraine.

A Shift in Perspective

Brother Dong’s journey took a pivotal turn after the events of the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted his sense of loyalty to the Chinese Communist Party. Following a personal tragedy involving his mother-in-law, he began questioning the authority he used to revere. This tumult pushed him to apply for German citizenship, coinciding with his desire to oppose authoritarianism more broadly.

He draws parallels between the struggles faced by people in China and those in Ukraine, stating, “I believe there is some connection between this pandemic and the war in Ukraine… ordinary people often feel powerless against such forces.” Wanting to make a positive impact, he decided to channel his energies toward aiding Ukrainians oppressed by similar authoritarian regimes.

However, expressing support for Ukraine still carries consequences. During a recent trip, Brother Dong was interrogated by Chinese border agents regarding his activities in Ukraine. When a group, including Du, formally expressed support for Ukraine, many participants were contacted by Chinese authorities post-action.

Yet, Du remains resolute, hopeful to create an art space that reflects the ongoing struggle for freedom. As for Brother Dong, now empowered by his German passport, he continues to find peaceful methods to aid Ukraine. “Although I cannot go to the battlefield or take up arms,” he expressed, “I hope to do everything I can to help the mothers and children of Ukraine,” a tribute to his own family, far away.