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 Beijing Olympics represent China's grand entrance onto the world stage and confirmation of its new superpower status.

I wanted to analyse and understand how the Chinese people could have their lives so crushed by fear.

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.

I left Beijing in 1987, shortly before my books were banned there, but have returned continually.

Everything I was I carry with me, everything I will belies waiting on the road ahead.

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