"We see the tendency in the world to criticise democracy and sometimes even to say that authoritarian countries like China are more efficient. That is very short-sighted. China looks efficient only because it can sacrifice most people's rights. This is not something the west should be happy about."
Ai Weiwei is a Chinese contemporary artist and activist known for conceptual art, installation work, and political commentary. His projects have been exhibited internationally across major museums and biennales. He is also recognized for criticism of state censorship and human-rights abuses.