On the surface today’s China is vastly different from that of June 4, 1989. Today we see China as a major economic power by embracing capitalism, its economic might enough to challenge America and the West. Today we see the country more active in international cooperative affairs.
Twenty years ago students gathered peacefully in Tiananmen Square in hopes of a democratic change. What they got were gunfire and tanks, an unimaginable massacre of innocent young civilians. Many protesters who were lucky enough to have escaped death now live a life of exile in the West and could only do so much to commemorate the tragic anniversary.
Every year in early June, Chinese authorities start cracking down on dissidents and invoke censorship on a grand scale. Yes, Beijing may seem like NYC any give day with its rush hour traffic and hurried businessmen, but in truth it’s a city in bondage.
May the freedom loving Chinese one day find sweeping change which transforms the tyrannic government to one of democracy.
