Wen Jiabao

Chinese Artist Seeks to Interview Hu Jintao

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• published: 01 Nov 2011
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Follow us on TWITTER: http://twitter.com/cnforbiddennews Like us on FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/chinaforbiddennews Beijing artist Yang Weidong recently asked to interview Hu Jintao, Wen Jiabao and other Chinese officials. He argued that these celebrities are not "sensitive" characters. Meanwhile, he extended his interview invitation to President Obama and other Western officials. Why would this Mainland Chinese artist have such an idea? Reporter： Yang Weidong: ""How do you understand labor, human nature, history, the world, science, and faith?" This Beijing artist said he hoped to hear responses to these questions, which are pertinent to people's daily life. He asked CCP to prove that its recent slogan of "cultural reform" is not just empty talking. October 26, Yang submitted an interview request to Hu Jintao, on Oct. 30 extended requests to Western officials, including President Obama and British Prime Minister David Cameron. Yang also sent invitations to over 130 Chinese officials. 45 year old Yang, who is highly experienced in painting and arch-design, was expelled from school for joining the June 4th movement. After Ai Weiwei, Yang is named a second conscience artist. At NTDTV's recent interview, Yang talked about his father's death due to CCP's persecution. During his appeal, Yang said he found that many basic principles in Chinese society are in danger of being lost forever. From 2008, Yang initiated a large-scale documentary "Need." Among over 500 interviewees, some of whom are "sensitive characters"on CCP's blacklist. Since last November, he has been assaulted by Chinese police. Yang Weidong: "They talked to me because I interviewed many sensitive people. These people's speeches endanger China's political stability. This is the explanation CCP gave me. Among 185 people I had interviewed, 47 were labeled sensitive. However, they refuse to tell me just exactly who are sensitive." The idea of interviewing Hu Jintao yet came from the police. Yang Weidong: "The idea to interview Hu Jintao is actually a dramatic topic. I was inspired by talks with the police. Restricted by them, I had to think about who is not sensitive. Hu Jintao is not. That is for sure." Jiao Guobiao, former associate professor in Beijing Uni, said it is impossible for Hu or Wen to accept such an interview, since this is in Mainland China, not a democratic country. Wang Ning, Congressional Correspondent for New Zealand said, "Yang's request needs approval by a series of officials. It very probably will not reach Hu before rejection . While there is possibility for Yang to interview President Obama". Wang Ning: "Western officials value such interview requests. They will seriously consider it before accepting or rejecting it. CCP has the evil habit of never replying to your request. Since Yang's documentary violates the mainstream socialist values, I believe it will simply fall down the drain." Zhang Weiguo, chief editor of Trends magazine in Hong Kong, said," it is not important whether Yang can interview Hu. It is more important that Yang's activity inspires other reporters. Such activities should not be instructed by any leader, or directed by CCP according to its political propaganda". Yang Weidong said that everyone has the right of expression. He asks for Hu's reply, whether acceptance or rejection, because this is the right of a Chinese citizen. NTD reporters, Liu Hui, Wang Ziqi and Guo Jing 《神韵》2011世界巡演新亮点 http://www.ShenYunPerformingArts.org/