Dissident artist Ai Weiwei has accused Western governments of hypocrisy in their approach to human rights in China, urging them to challenge Beijing regardless of the potential consequences for activists. Speaking at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York, Ai said: 'It doesn't matter it will hurt me or not, you have to do what you think is right.'
The artist, who was detained for 81 days in 2011 and had his passport confiscated for over four years, criticised the erosion of the rule of law in China under President Xi Jinping. 'If you touch any political issues there's no such thing as rule of law,' he said, describing the situation as 'really very bad' with 'almost no space' for dissent.
Ai highlighted the targeting of lawyers who defend activists, noting that many have been jailed on false charges without trial. He referenced the case of Xia Lin, a lawyer who previously defended him, who was sentenced to 12 years in prison in September on fraud charges widely seen as retribution for representing high-profile political clients.
Despite the risks, Ai encouraged Western governments to maintain pressure on China, even if it leads to harsher treatment for activists. 'You have to believe they have to listen,' he said, adding that Beijing's business partners should not fear making the situation worse.
