All articles tagged with #tiananmen square
Despite decades of censorship and AI-driven erasure of Tiananmen Square history, Chinese youths are learning about the 1989 protests through unconventional channels, signaling that the truth can surface even as the state tightens information controls.
As the 37th anniversary of the Tiananmen crackdown approaches, Chinese authorities are intensifying efforts to erase public memory of the 1989 protests, including police warnings to families of crackdown victims not to visit graves, while in Hong Kong authorities stopped and searched a local artist on the eve of the anniversary, highlighting ongoing suppression of dissent and remembrance.
The piece examines how memory of the 1989 Tiananmen crackdown is at risk of fading under tightening censorship, highlighting grassroots efforts to preserve history—such as Helmut Opletal’s photographs archived by China Unofficial Archives and Li Rui’s diaries kept at Stanford’s Hoover Institution. It covers legal battles over the diaries, threats faced by activists, and how technology both enables repression and expands access to suppressed material, with observers like Zhou Fengsuo arguing that the memory persists despite aging witnesses and CCP pressure.
Rare footage of PLA General Xu Qinxian, who refused to lead troops into Tiananmen Square during the 1989 protests, has been leaked online, providing rare insight into the military's internal dissent during the Tiananmen crackdown. The six-hour court martial video reveals Xu's opposition to martial law and his concerns about bloodshed, highlighting the complex loyalty and political environment within China's military during a pivotal moment in modern Chinese history.
Leaked footage from the 1990 secret court-martial of Chinese General Xu Qinxian reveals his refusal to lead troops in the Tiananmen Square crackdown, highlighting internal military dissent and his moral stand against violence, shedding new light on the events of 1989.
China is asserting itself as the leader of the post-World War II order, a shift influenced by actions and policies during Trump's presidency, signaling a decline in the Western-led consensus that once defined the global system.
China showcased its latest military hardware in a grand Beijing parade attended by world leaders including Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin, with Xi Jinping leading the display of military strength to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Japan's WWII surrender.
China is set to hold a major military parade in Tiananmen Square on September 3 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of its victory over Japan in WWII, showcasing new high-tech weapons and sending a strategic message to the West.
On the 36th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned China's handling of the event and called for recognition of the pro-democracy protesters' bravery, while China accused him of interfering in its internal affairs and distorted the historical facts. The anniversary highlights ongoing tensions over human rights and historical acknowledgment between China and the West.
On the 36th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square crackdown, Taiwan and the US commemorated the event, condemning China's denial and censorship, while China dismissed Western comments as distortions of history. Security was heightened in Hong Kong and China, with ongoing restrictions and silence around the event, which China considers a sensitive and taboo subject.
Cathay Pacific Airways has apologized and removed a Family Guy episode featuring a reference to the Tiananmen Square 'Tank Man' from its in-flight entertainment, following a complaint about potential national security law breaches. The episode, "Death Has a Shadow," includes a scene with the main character in Tiananmen Square, which led to the decision to pull it from the airline's offerings.
Tiananmen Square in Beijing, a symbol of Chinese state power, now features heightened security measures, including metal detectors and a digital booking system, reflecting the government's increased control and sensitivity to potential protests. This change is seen as a response to the insecurities of China's current leadership under President Xi Jinping, who has consolidated power and tightened security across the country. Despite these measures, tourists continue to visit the iconic site, accepting the restrictions as part of the experience.
U.S. Congress members commemorated the 35th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square crackdown, warning that China's current leadership remains as ruthless as in 1989. The event included former student leaders and activists, highlighting the shift in U.S. policy from engagement to competition with China. The Chinese embassy defended its actions and criticized U.S. interference, while U.S. officials and activists urged continued vigilance against human rights abuses in China.
China's intensified crackdown on Tiananmen memorials, even abroad, reflects its growing obsession with national security under Xi Jinping. This shift towards a security state aims to protect Communist party rule and distract from economic challenges, sacrificing freedoms and international relations in the process.
On the 35th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square crackdown, China and Hong Kong heightened security to prevent public remembrance of the event. Checkpoints and police vehicles were prominent in Beijing, while Hong Kong authorities detained several individuals. The Chinese government continues to censor any mention of the crackdown, which remains a sensitive and taboo subject. Commemorative events were held overseas, including in Washington, D.C., London, and Taipei.