Ministry of Truth: More on Mo Yan
Central Propaganda Department: Fully grasp guidance with regards to Mo Yan winning the Nobel prize in literature. Report mainly on his literary accomplishments. Do not compare him to other prize-winners. Avoid politicizing the discussion. (November 6, 2012)
中宣部: 对莫言获诺贝尔文学奖要把好导向,主要报道莫言文学成就,不要把莫言获奖及其他人获奖进行对比,避免政治化。
When Gao Xingjian won the Nobel Prize in literature in 2000, he had already lived in exile in France for a number of years. (Gao became a French citizen in 1997; China does not recognize dual citizenship.) Neither he nor 2010 Peace Prize winner Liu Xiaobo have been acknowledged by the Chinese government for their awards. Mo Yan’s is the first prize won by a Chinese person which the Chinese authorities have publicly praised.
Just days after winning the Nobel, Mo Yan voiced his hope for Liu Xiaobo’s release from prison.



