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Liu Xiaobo

2010 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Liu Xiaobo, who died in custody in July 2017, was a writer, professor, and political dissident. In 2009, Liu was sentenced to 11 years for inciting subversion because of his involvement in writing Charter 08, a petition advocating political reform in China. Liu was awarded the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize for “his long and non-violent struggle for fundamental human rights in China”.

Born

28 Dec 1955

Industry

Politics, Human rights

Job Title

Activist

Troops from New Zealand, the Philippines, the US and Australia pose for a photo after taking part in counter-landing live-fire drills during the Balikatan exercises on April 27. Photo: Reuters

South China Sea

Why the largest-ever US-Philippine drill, and Japan’s role, makes China uneasy

The scale of this year’s Balikatan exercise has been described as part of a trend that will ‘exacerbate regional instability’.

23 May 2026 - 7:53PMvideocam

Hong Kong courts

One-party rule contradicts constitution, anti-China activist tells trial

17 Mar 2026 - 8:08PM

Donald Trump

Trump’s push for the Nobel Peace Prize won’t sway us, says committee

12 Sep 2025 - 2:02PM

Nobel Prize

My Take | Degraded Nobel Peace Prize standards could mean Trump deserves one

The awarding of the world’s most prestigious prize has been twisted and perverted by politics and often has nothing to do with peace.

13 Jul 2025 - 9:34PM

US President Donald Trump waves as he walks toward Marine One while departing the White House in Washington, June 20, 2025. Photo: dpa

Hong Kong national security law

Books about June 4 Tiananmen Square crackdown grow scarce in Hong Kong

Booksellers reluctant to stock titles that might cross national security law ‘red lines’, and observers fear break in how memories of event are inherited by new generations.

2 Jun 2025 - 9:56AM

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US-China relations

‘Jimmy Lai Way’: US call to honour jailed tycoon by renaming Washington street

Bill put forward by bipartisan group of US House members comes a day after US State Department sanctioned six Hong Kong officials.

1 Apr 2025 - 11:41PMvideocam

US-China relations

China’s economic coercion evokes scrutiny, resentment: US officials

Washington’s global network of allies said to offer moral support, supply-chain diversion strategies and new markets when Beijing takes aim.

7 Sep 2024 - 5:30AMvideocam

Nicholas Burns, US ambassador to China, has warned against a world that heavily depends on China for trade and technologies. Photo: AP

Hong Kong

Opinion | Arts censorship vs arts centre: Hong Kong must make ‘red lines’ clear

The increasingly random nature of the works being banned out of national security law considerations hurts Hong Kong’s reputation as an open society. Considering the creative exodus and distrust of the security law, there is urgent need for government reassurance through words and deeds.

6 Nov 2022 - 9:30AMvideocam

Coronavirus pandemic

China’s foreign minister warns against giving Hong Kong protesters Nobel Prize

Wang Yi also tried to cast doubt on the origin of the coronavirus, as he faced criticism over China’s handling of the pandemic during a press conference in Oslo.

28 Aug 2020 - 9:46AM

Hong Kong national security law

Keep calm and carry on: it’s the only way to deal with national security law

Given that the national security law on the mainland targets those who oppose the Communist Party, the same could be expected for Hong Kong. Nevertheless, it would be best for Hongkongers not to panic, but get on with their lives.

30 Jun 2020 - 6:33AMvideocam

A man walks up a road where a banner promoting the national security law is displayed in Central, Hong Kong, on June 20. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Coronavirus pandemic: All stories

Opinion | Why German court’s challenge to EU is more disturbing than China’s tantrums

Even without Covid-19, there is no shortage of disturbing news, from the Hong Kong police’s crackdown on protesters to Chinese bullying in the South China Sea. But a German court’s challenge to a central tenet of European unity is perhaps the biggest worry

17 May 2020 - 3:15AMvideocam

European Central Bank president Christine Lagarde at the European parliament in Strasbourg, France, on February 11. A German court ruling essential seeks to upend the principle that EU decisions override national ones. Photo: Reuters

Coronavirus pandemic

Change Chinese embassy’s address to honour Li Wenliang, US lawmakers say

Under new bills introduced in both the Senate and House, the official address of the Chinese embassy in Washington would be changed to 1 Li Wenliang Plaza.

8 May 2020 - 11:09PMvideocam

Chinese authors

Review | The Journey of Liu Xiaobo: the life and times of the Chinese dissident

Friends and colleagues recall the late Nobel Peace Prize winner and a fearless champion of human rights and democracy in China.

18 Apr 2020 - 1:14PM

Hong Kong protests

Shades Off | Liu Xiaobo’s fate holds lessons for Hong Kong protesters

As Hong Kong’s protesters are nominated for the same Peace prize Liu won in 2010, they should be mindful of the ideals for which he died and his family suffered, and also how international attention sealed his fate with Beijing.

22 Oct 2019 - 9:00AM

Pro-democracy activists Leung Kwok-hung (left) and Avery Ng Man-yuen march with a statue of Liu Xiaobo on June 4, when Hongkongers hold an annual candlelight vigil to commemorate the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown. Liu famously said: “I have no enemies and no hatred.” Photo: Edmond So

Human rights in China

US and Britain criticise China’s jailing of ‘cyber dissident’ Huang Qi

The Chinese reporter and activist, who this week was sentenced to 12 years in prison, should be released immediately, US State Department says.

2 Aug 2019 - 11:37PM

The activist Huang Qi at his home in Chengdu, Sichuan province, in 2015. This week he was sentenced to 12 years in jail, his third prison term. Photo: AFP

Books and literature

Review | Endless nightmares, ruined lives: the Tiananmen legacy

Poet Liao Yiwu’s searing account of what happened in Beijing on June 4, 1989, and its lasting impact, doggedly collected from witnesses, demands attention; he is unsparing in his criticism of decision-makers, and of ordinary Chinese for their passivity.

25 Jun 2019 - 12:55AM

Human rights in China

Prague honours late Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo with bust

Statue introduced at Dox Centre for Contemporary Art as part of joint project with Amnesty International, Art for Amnesty and Humanitarian China.

5 Jun 2019 - 5:26AM

Censorship

LinkedIn reverses course after censoring human rights activist’s page

Zhou, a student leader during the Tiananmen Square crackdown, says he thinks media attention led to the change by LinkedIn, which agreed to abide by Beijing’s requirements on expression.

4 Jan 2019 - 10:39PM

Zhou Fengsuo runs a human rights organisation that advocates for and supports political prisoners in China. Photo: KY Cheng

US-China relations

Opinion | In Washington, China-bashing isn’t just for hawks any more

Views of China have changed across the US, evidenced by broad support for the resolution on Uygur persecution. China should recognise this and begin taking steps to mend ties, starting at the G20 meeting between Xi and Trump

28 Nov 2018 - 2:39AM

Germany

Merkel 'has set a good example' for Western leaders dealing with China

In her 13 years as German chancellor, Merkel has set a good example for other Western leaders to follow in relations with Beijing, Chinese analysts say.

31 Oct 2018 - 1:03PMvideocam

Human rights in China

Video | Chinese dissident Liu Xia, widow of Liu Xiaobo, speaks out for the first time in New York

27 Sep 2018 - 5:45PM

01:19

Human rights in China

Liu Xia talks about Liu Xiaobo, thanks supporters at New York event

Nobel prizewinner’s widow makes her first formal appearance since leaving China at the Václav Havel Library Foundation’s discussion evening.

28 Sep 2018 - 12:53AM

Liu Xia, Chinese artist, poet, and the widow of Chinese Nobel Peace Prize-winning political dissident Liu Xiaobo, takes part in a human rights panel discussion in New York on Wednesday. Photo: Reuters

Human rights in China

Liu Xia arrives in New York for her first formal appearance

26 Sep 2018 - 10:49PM

Human rights in China

China made ‘absolutely no deals’ for Liu Xia’s release, German envoy says

21 Aug 2018 - 11:30PM

Human rights in China

Liu Xia regains her health as she settles into a new life in Berlin

The artist and widow of Nobel laureate Liu Xiaobo is supported by friends and allies who fought for her release.

11 Aug 2018 - 10:29PM

Liu Xia enjoys a beer in Berlin, her home of just over a month. Photo: courtesy of Liao Yiwu

Occupy Central

Pro-democracy divide on display in reactions to Liu Xiaobo memorial

A generation aroused by Tiananmen incident to fight for democracy locally and in mainland China no longer connects with young people focused on Hong Kong’s fate, and failure of Occupy Central sit-ins has dulled appetite for activism.

2 Aug 2018 - 3:58PM

Human rights in China

Exclusive | The quiet diplomats: how Germany pressured China to free Liu Xia

More than a year of aggressive behind-the-scenes manoeuvring between Berlin and Beijing paid off with the release of the widow of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Liu Xiaobo.

22 Jul 2018 - 9:05PM

Nelson Mandela

Opinion | Mandela’s legacy strong in Asia, but not for leaders

From Myanmar to India and the Philippines, autocratic regimes have been on the rise since the South African leader and icon of inclusive democracy left his presidency.

21 Jul 2018 - 2:09PM

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Liu Xiaobo

Why the largest-ever US-Philippine drill, and Japan’s role, makes China uneasy

The scale of this year’s Balikatan exercise has been described as part of a trend that will ‘exacerbate regional instability’.

One-party rule contradicts constitution, anti-China activist tells trial

Trump’s push for the Nobel Peace Prize won’t sway us, says committee

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}My Take | Degraded Nobel Peace Prize standards could mean Trump deserves one

The awarding of the world’s most prestigious prize has been twisted and perverted by politics and often has nothing to do with peace.

Books about June 4 Tiananmen Square crackdown grow scarce in Hong Kong

Booksellers reluctant to stock titles that might cross national security law ‘red lines’, and observers fear break in how memories of event are inherited by new generations.

‘Jimmy Lai Way’: US call to honour jailed tycoon by renaming Washington street

Bill put forward by bipartisan group of US House members comes a day after US State Department sanctioned six Hong Kong officials.

China’s economic coercion evokes scrutiny, resentment: US officials

Washington’s global network of allies said to offer moral support, supply-chain diversion strategies and new markets when Beijing takes aim.

Opinion | Arts censorship vs arts centre: Hong Kong must make ‘red lines’ clear

The increasingly random nature of the works being banned out of national security law considerations hurts Hong Kong’s reputation as an open society. Considering the creative exodus and distrust of the security law, there is urgent need for government reassurance through words and deeds.

China’s foreign minister warns against giving Hong Kong protesters Nobel Prize

Wang Yi also tried to cast doubt on the origin of the coronavirus, as he faced criticism over China’s handling of the pandemic during a press conference in Oslo.

Keep calm and carry on: it’s the only way to deal with national security law

Given that the national security law on the mainland targets those who oppose the Communist Party, the same could be expected for Hong Kong. Nevertheless, it would be best for Hongkongers not to panic, but get on with their lives.

Opinion | Why German court’s challenge to EU is more disturbing than China’s tantrums

Even without Covid-19, there is no shortage of disturbing news, from the Hong Kong police’s crackdown on protesters to Chinese bullying in the South China Sea. But a German court’s challenge to a central tenet of European unity is perhaps the biggest worry

Change Chinese embassy’s address to honour Li Wenliang, US lawmakers say

Under new bills introduced in both the Senate and House, the official address of the Chinese embassy in Washington would be changed to 1 Li Wenliang Plaza.

.css-19im5qg{color:#c79a00;}Review | The Journey of Liu Xiaobo: the life and times of the Chinese dissident

Friends and colleagues recall the late Nobel Peace Prize winner and a fearless champion of human rights and democracy in China.

Shades Off | Liu Xiaobo’s fate holds lessons for Hong Kong protesters

As Hong Kong’s protesters are nominated for the same Peace prize Liu won in 2010, they should be mindful of the ideals for which he died and his family suffered, and also how international attention sealed his fate with Beijing.

US and Britain criticise China’s jailing of ‘cyber dissident’ Huang Qi

The Chinese reporter and activist, who this week was sentenced to 12 years in prison, should be released immediately, US State Department says.

Review | Endless nightmares, ruined lives: the Tiananmen legacy

Poet Liao Yiwu’s searing account of what happened in Beijing on June 4, 1989, and its lasting impact, doggedly collected from witnesses, demands attention; he is unsparing in his criticism of decision-makers, and of ordinary Chinese for their passivity.

Prague honours late Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo with bust

Statue introduced at Dox Centre for Contemporary Art as part of joint project with Amnesty International, Art for Amnesty and Humanitarian China.

LinkedIn reverses course after censoring human rights activist’s page

Zhou, a student leader during the Tiananmen Square crackdown, says he thinks media attention led to the change by LinkedIn, which agreed to abide by Beijing’s requirements on expression.

Opinion | In Washington, China-bashing isn’t just for hawks any more

Views of China have changed across the US, evidenced by broad support for the resolution on Uygur persecution. China should recognise this and begin taking steps to mend ties, starting at the G20 meeting between Xi and Trump

Merkel 'has set a good example' for Western leaders dealing with China

In her 13 years as German chancellor, Merkel has set a good example for other Western leaders to follow in relations with Beijing, Chinese analysts say.

.css-1t72pn8{color:#C79A00;}Video | Chinese dissident Liu Xia, widow of Liu Xiaobo, speaks out for the first time in New York

Liu Xia talks about Liu Xiaobo, thanks supporters at New York event

Nobel prizewinner’s widow makes her first formal appearance since leaving China at the Václav Havel Library Foundation’s discussion evening.

Liu Xia arrives in New York for her first formal appearance

China made ‘absolutely no deals’ for Liu Xia’s release, German envoy says

Liu Xia regains her health as she settles into a new life in Berlin

The artist and widow of Nobel laureate Liu Xiaobo is supported by friends and allies who fought for her release.

Pro-democracy divide on display in reactions to Liu Xiaobo memorial

A generation aroused by Tiananmen incident to fight for democracy locally and in mainland China no longer connects with young people focused on Hong Kong’s fate, and failure of Occupy Central sit-ins has dulled appetite for activism.

Exclusive | The quiet diplomats: how Germany pressured China to free Liu Xia

More than a year of aggressive behind-the-scenes manoeuvring between Berlin and Beijing paid off with the release of the widow of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Liu Xiaobo.

Opinion | Mandela’s legacy strong in Asia, but not for leaders

From Myanmar to India and the Philippines, autocratic regimes have been on the rise since the South African leader and icon of inclusive democracy left his presidency.

My Take | Degraded Nobel Peace Prize standards could mean Trump deserves one

Review | The Journey of Liu Xiaobo: the life and times of the Chinese dissident

Video | Chinese dissident Liu Xia, widow of Liu Xiaobo, speaks out for the first time in New York