Candidates must figure on the short-list at least two years running to win,

It's been a long time since the prize has gone to someone like that. Esthetic literature has dominated because, I think, the modernist trend has been to frown upon scientific literature,

That's not something we took into consideration. But it's not something that is held against him either.

This very possibly has something to do with the fact that this week the Academy will announce this year's winner.

We have a very strict discipline now. No documents leave the building and the (Academy) members are not allowed to discuss the choice by email or with members of their family. So far this year, I have not seen any sign that there is a leak,

I think he is unassailable from a literary point of view, ... On the other hand, there may be some people who think he's too established.

I think it is safe to say that 'Soul Mountain' is one of the most remarkable creations of modern literature, not only in Chinese.

He did not say many words. He was very happy.

If this was not so, then we would not have been ready.

Since then his chair has been vacant, with the exception of three or four casual visits, mostly on holidays.