BEIJING, Dec 13 (Reuter) - Illegal fundraising by Chinese dissident Wei Jingsheng was the key piece of evidence that led to his conviction on Wednesday for conspiring to subvert the government, state radio said.

Wei was also found to have published articles in overseas media attacking the Chinese government and calling for the independence of Tibet, the broadcast said. Wei did not dispute the evidence, it said.

Wei's purchase of shares in a Chinese credit cooperative was interpreted as an effort to create an independence financial institution for financing anti-government activities, it said.

Wei organised anti-government art exhibits to raise further funds for his subversive cause, it said.

China's leading pro-democracy campaigner, Wei was found guilty on Wednesday of conspiring to subvert the government and imprisoned for 14 years.

Wei was also stripped of his political rights for three years -- but spared a possible death sentence.