Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales has criticized the United States and China for blocking access to the popular encyclopedia, which he says is biased against China.
In an interview with CNBC on Tuesday, Wales said he was “excited” to be an author of the encyclopedia.
“I’m happy to be on Wikipedia.
I’m a democrat, I’m going to stand up for what’s right,” he said.
He also noted that he is happy to see people from all walks of life and different races sharing knowledge.
“This is an important topic for everybody, for everybody,” he added.
Wales has also written articles on China, North Korea, and the Iran nuclear deal.
Wales is one of many celebrities who have come out in recent weeks to express support for Chinese President Xi Jinping, who has repeatedly called for greater democracy in the world.
Last week, actor Matthew McConaughey tweeted that he was happy to join Wales in China to protest against censorship.
“I would love to see more Chinese people in my life,” Wales told CNBC.
“It’s good to have more Chinese voices in the United Kingdom.
It’s good that people are speaking out.”
On the U.S. side, Wikimedia Foundation President Chris Beard called on Chinese authorities to release more information about the censoring of the Chinese Wikipedia.
“As a member of the Wikimedia Foundation, I have had the privilege to work with many people who are under threat of arrest or imprisonment on charges of Wikipedia-related offenses,” Beard said in a statement.
“The Wikimedia Foundation has the unique opportunity to promote democracy and open access in China, which is a great example of what we can achieve when we stand up together and work together to ensure that Wikipedia is a safe and democratic space.”
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