WASHINGTON—Today, Victoria Coates, vice president of the Kathryn and Shelby Cullom Davis Institute for National Security and Foreign Policy at The Heritage Foundation, and Rich Zeoli, host of WPHT’s “The Rich Zeoli Show” in Philadelphia, released the following statement condemning the City of Philadelphia’s plan to raise the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) flag above City Hall:  

“Philadelphia—the birthplace of American liberty—should never honor the CCP with an official flag-raising. This bizarre celebration of communism disrespects the sacrifices of those who fought for our independence and insults generations of Chinese Americans who fled CCP oppression to live in freedom. 

“The CCP is not just another foreign government; it is the world’s leading authoritarian regime, responsible for crushing religious liberty, censoring free speech, and committing atrocities against its own people. Raising its flag on public property in Philadelphia sends the message that America is willing to turn a blind eye to tyranny in the heart of the very city where our Republic was born. 

“City leaders should reverse this decision immediately. The only flag that belongs over Philadelphia’s City Hall is the Stars and Stripes—the enduring symbol of liberty and self-government.” 

The Heritage Foundation maintains the position that the United States is in a new cold war with China. The CCP has engaged in systematic and aggressive influence operations across America, which threaten U.S. interests. Read more about how states and local communities can counter the CCP here.