[File photo: DW]

A statue of Karl Marx designed by a Chinese artist was accepted on March 13 by the city council of Trier, a German town where the revolutionary socialist thinker was born. The statute, designed by world-renowned Chinese sculptor Wu Weishan, is a gift to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Marx’s birth, which will take place in 2018.

Wu, who holds the position of director of the National Art Museum of China (NAMOC), noted that the 6.3-meter bronze statue embodies the “development of Marxism” and shows respect to the revolutionary philosopher.

“Marx has significantly promoted the development of human society. The Communist Party of China has adopted Marx’s ideas, developing Marxism and using it in real life ... The country’s great achievements have proved the correctness of Marxism,” Wu said in an article published by the People’s Daily in January. According to Wu, his vision for the statue was accepted by local authorities, who invited him to complete the work.

Echoing Wu, Andreas Ludwig, city councilor of Trier, told broadcaster SWR that “the biggest country in the world [in terms of population] thinking about the little city of Trier is great. It is a big honor if people pay attention to Trier.”

The statue has reportedly stirred up controversy among locals, with some citizens questioning why it is being created by a Chinese artist. Others worry that the work is a glorification of certain political views.

Responding to doubts, Wu said that the image of Marx has been imprinted in his heart since he was a child, adding that “Marx molded by a Chinese artist contains emotion and [warmth].”