News story

Foreign Secretary statement on the detention of Ai Weiwei in China

"I call on the Chinese government to urgently clarify Ai’s situation and wellbeing, and hope he will be released immediately."

• From: Foreign & Commonwealth Office and The Rt Hon William Hague
• Published: 4 April 2011

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Commenting on the detention of Ai Weiwei in China, the Foreign Secretary William Hague said:

“I am very concerned by reports that Ai Weiwei has been detained by the Chinese authorities. I call on the Chinese government to urgently clarify Ai’s situation and wellbeing, and hope he will be released immediately. The UK remains committed to engagement with China on human rights. I am absolutely clear that the development of independent civil society and application of human rights under the rule of law are essential prerequisites for China’s long-term prosperity and stability.”

Published 4 April 2011