Ai Weiwei Is Confident He Will Be Able to Return to China

Henri Neuendorf August 6, 2015 ShareShare This Article

In his first in depth interview since the return of his passport two weeks ago, Chinese artist and dissident Ai Weiwei has candidly described his changing relationship with the Chinese government.

The artist—who arrived in Munich on July 30, where he was reunited with his six-year-old son—told the German newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung that Chinese authorities have developed “a foundation of trust” towards him. “Otherwise they wouldn’t allow me, the former enemy of the state, to present exhibitions, and they wouldn’t have returned my passport.”

The artist also revealed that there are “almost no conditions” associated with the return of his passport. “They promised me I could come back, which was very important to me. They said: ‘you are a free man.’”

“They know that I want to make China a better country, that I’m worried about the younger generations,” he added.

Ai Weiwei announced the return of his passport to his 111,000 Instagram followers.
Photo: Ai Weiwei (@aiww) via Instagram

However, when asked if he was still being monitored by the state, Ai said: “Of course. They’re following exactly what I say and do.”

“I am not afraid,” he concluded. “What happens to me is not important. I only ask for a normal life. I want to say and do things to help our society, not only criticize.”