Ai Weiwei is the kind of visionary any nation should be proud to count among its creative class. He has

drawn the world's attention to the vibrancy of contemporary Chinese culture. More important, Ai, 53, has

shown compassion for his fellow citizens and spoken out for victims of government abuses, calling for

political reforms to better serve the people. It is very sad that the Chinese government has seen a need to

silence one of its most innovative and illustrious citizens. For the world, Ai continues to represent the

promise of China.