Liu Xiaobo

In the course of my life, for more than half a century, June 1989 was the major turning point. Up to that point, I was a member of the first class to enter university when college entrance examinations were reinstated following the Cultural Revolution (Class of '77).

My tendency to idealize Western civilization arises from my nationalistic desire to use the West in order to reform China. But this has led me to overlook the flaws of Western culture.

In order to exercise the right to freedom of speech conferred by the Constitution, one should fulfill the social responsibility of a Chinese citizen.

I have viewed the West as if it were not only the salvation of China but also the natural and ultimate destination of all humanity.

Ultimately, change will happen when problems persist and enough people are concerned.

For those of us in the opposition movement under dictatorships, part of our job is confronting police and spending time in prison. So, a dissident not only needs to learn how to oppose oppression but also how to face the crackdowns and time in prison.

I have been obsequious toward Western civilization, exaggerating its merits and, at the same time, exaggerating my own merits.

The Internet is truly God's gift to the Chinese people.

In my view, Reform and Opening Up began with the abandonment of the 'using class struggle as guiding principle' government policy of the Mao era and, in its place, a commitment to economic development and social harmony.

I always think that reforms and turning China into a free country is a long and tortuous process. Despite this, in a totalitarian state, the fight for freedom comes from the accumulative efforts of the people; without such efforts, very little will happen.

If there has been any progress in the Chinese society and politics over the last 20 years, it is all because the citizens have been pushing for change.