About
Chinese-American novelist and Calvinist democracy activist who has authored more than 30 books. He became a bestselling author following the release of his first book, Fire and Ice, which featured substantial political and social critique. He has also written titles such as Civilization Pain, Fly the Wings, and China's Best Actor: Wen Jiabao, the latter of which was written about the former Premier of China. Many of his bibliography were eventually banned throughout mainland China and in 2010, his disparaging commentary of China's leader and government led to his incarceration, during which, he allegedly endured near-fatal physical torment.
Before Fame
He graduated from Peking University with a degree in modern Chinese literature. After the publishing of his first book, Fire and Ice, he helped to establish the Independent PEN International Center, a worldwide association of writers.
Trivia
Following his 2010 arrest and subsequent travel ban, he and his family emigrated to the United States in the year 2012. Once there, he tendered a 9-page statement to the U.S. State Department and the U.S. Human Rights Council, in which he detailed the alleged abuse he endured while in custody. That same year, he was awarded the Civil Courage Prize by the Train Foundation for his resolute opposition to human rights violations and corruption.
Family Life
He and his wife Liu Min are the parents of a son named Yu Guangyi.
Associated With
He was very close friends with human rights activist and 2010 Nobel Peace Prize-winner Liu Xiaobo before Xiaobo's passing in 2017. In 2020, he was criticized for his comments expressing cheer in response to the news about the death of former Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
