China plans to launch its own Wikipedia in 2018
But critics said the government-funded works omitted or distorted some entries for political purposes.
His colleague Joss Wright, however, said the platform could also offer “a more uniquely ‘Chinese’ experience that domestic users tend to like”.
High-quality authors
In an article for a mainland newspaper last year, Mr Yang said Wikipedia’s appeal in China was “bewitching”.
But he added: “We have the biggest, most high-quality author team in the world.
“Our goal is not to catch up, but overtake.”
Last week, Turkish authorities blocked access to Wikipedia within the country without giving a reason.
In 2014, Russia also announced plans for an alternative version of Wikipedia , with the stated aim of providing better information about the country than was available on the platform.
Turkish authorities block Wikipedia without giving reason while Russia plans ‘alternative Wikipedia’.