To become self-aware, people must be allowed to hear a plurality of opinions and then make up their own minds. They must be allowed to say, write and publish whatever they want. Freedom of expression is the most basic, but fundamental, right. Without it, human beings are reduced to automatons.

Red Dust was about the late 1980s; it was a time of burgeoning hopes and opening up and people searching for new ways.

In February of this year I returned to China to research my next book. The authorities know about the novels of mine that have been published in the west, including the latest one, Beijing Coma, about a student shot in Tiananmen Square, but so far have allowed me to return.

The literal meaning of the Chinese characters for revolution is elimination of life

Tyrannies not only want to control your mind and thoughts but your flesh as well.

It is vitally important for me, both personally and for my writing, to be able to return to China freely, so being barred entry has caused me deep concern and distress.

I believe that the power of literature is stronger than the power of tyranny.