Gao Zhen conviction in China draws US concern

The United States expressed “significant concerns” on Wednesday over China’s conviction of Gao Zhen, a prominent artist whose works criticised former Chinese leader Mao Zedong.

Chinese Human Rights Defenders, a US-based group, said Gao was sentenced to three years in prison. The group reported last year that he had been indicted on charges of “insulting... heroes and martyrs.”

A US State Department spokesperson said Washington had concerns because the case involved alleged actions taken years before the law used to convict Gao was enacted.

The spokesperson said diplomats from the US embassy in Beijing and several other diplomatic missions tried to attend Gao’s sentencing on Tuesday but were barred by courthouse authorities.

Gao, 70, moved to the United States in 2022 and was detained at his studio on the outskirts of Beijing during a visit to China in August 2024.

Gao and his brother Gao Qiang became known in the early 2000s for art addressing politically sensitive subjects, including the Cultural Revolution, the Tiananmen Square protests and Mao’s legacy. Their works include a sculpture titled “Mao’s Guilt” and another called “Execution of Christ.”

The State Department spokesperson said the United States supports freedom of expression, including through art. The public criticism came less than one month before US President Donald Trump is expected to host Chinese President Xi Jinping for a state visit.