Political censorship in the West today is “exactly the same” as it was in China under Chairman Mao, exiled artist Ai Weiwei has told Sky News.

The 66-year-old dissident told Sky News’ Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips that “society becomes so timid, to really avoid any kind of questioning or argument”.

He was responding to a question regarding the cancellation of his exhibition by the Lisson Gallery in London in November following social media posts regarding the Israel-Gaza conflict.

“I grew up within this heavy political censorship,” he said, referring to his own family’s exile when he was one year old.

“I realise now, today in the West, you are doing exactly the same,” the artist added.

Weiwei continued saying: “This is really like a cultural revolution, which is really trying to destroy anybody who has different attitudes, not even a clear opinion.

“So I think that this is such a pity, that it happened in the West, so broadly in universities, in media, in every location.

Pigeon suspected of being Chinese spy released by police in India after being detained for eight months

Chinese hackers preparing to ‘wreak havoc’ on US, warns FBI chief Christopher Wray

‘A lot of punishment, no food, hard work’: North Korean defector’s fears for sister who will ‘die in jail’

“In universities or political sector – everywhere – you cannot talk about the truth.”

Weiwei’s art often addresses political issues in China and he has frequently criticised Beijing’s record on human rights and democracy.

Asked if he believed Western artists were doing enough to defend freedom of expression, Weiwei described them as having been “corrupted by capitalism”.

“They are just seeking money and also to be famous,” he said.

Read more from Sky News:
US and UK launch fresh strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen
Facebook turns 20
Indian model fakes death in cancer publicity stunt

In 2011, Weiwei was arrested at Beijing Capital International Airport and detained for 81 days. He left China in 2015 and has not returned since.

His main residence is currently in Portugal, but he maintains a studio in Berlin and a property in the UK.

Weiwei said he “never regrets” speaking out.

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

He said: “I’m defending a value which would profit and benefit everybody.

“My little experience does not really matter, but rather I somewhat have to speak out.

“An artist has the responsibility to do that.”

Weiwei’s graphic memoir, Zodiac, was published by Penguin Random House at the end of January.

Watch Sky News’ Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips at 8.30am to see Ai Weiwei’s full interview.

Related posts:

History made, a good day for Brits, and the snubs: The Oscar nominations key talking points Black Widow, Luxe House Sydney and The Surrogate Far Cry 6 star calls UK a ‘mad sack’ as he compares politics of the game to the real world Peter Bowles: To The Manor Born actor dies aged 85 ‘Sometimes life just doesn’t go as we plan’: Kate Ferdinand announces loss of unborn baby ‘Boom – I got a face full of gas’ – Jay Leno describes moment he caught on fire Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss, DJ on Ellen DeGeneres Show, dies aged 40 The Wire actor Lance Reddick dies aged 60 Huw Edwards accused of sending ‘flirtatious’ messages to BBC employees ‘Insulting and disrespectful’: US actors poised to strike as talks fail Marvel stuntman and three of his children die after car crash Lead singer of the Moody Blues and Wings guitarist dies