Chinese protester heckles Bill Gates

An address by Microsoft chairman Bill Gates to students at the University of Peking was interrupted by an open source enthusiast calling for more free software.

Wang Yang, also known as WangKaiyuan, chief China representative of the Linux Professional Institute, jumped onto the stage as Gates was presenting prizes for student innovation.

The Microsoft chief looked on bemused as Wang Yang held up a sign proclaiming 'Free software, open source'.

Zhao Xiaoliang, acting executive of Red Flag Software, said in a comment posted on the Chinese Sohu.com message boards: "I was surprised at Wang's act because we met a couple of times before and he seemed to be a cautious man.

"But I think Wang might have acted for the benefit of China's software buyers."

Red Flag Software aims to provide high quality Linux related products and services in China.

Wang Yang was on stage for 30 seconds before being detained and questioned by police.

"We respect everyone's right of free speech and the incident did not damage Microsoft's innovation event in Peking University," said Chen Ranfeng, a publicity executive for Microsoft China.

Silicon Valley Sleuth: Open source protester disrupts Bill Gates presentation 

See also:

Cuba goes open source

After throwing off one dictator Cuba tries it again  20 Feb 2007

Open source booming in Asia

40 per cent growth in three years, survey reveals  08 Dec 2006

Europe to create open source repository

Portal aims to promote public sector collaboration  13 Oct 2006

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