Remembering Tiananmen

20 years ago, the Chinese government unleashed their army on civilian protesters. Estimates vary wildly, but there is no doubt that hundreds of people were killed at the very least: some suggest thousands. To this day China effectively pretends that the incident never happened, or at least try to distort the story. Chinese citizens can still not talk about what happened in Tiananmen square – as those who have are often placed under arrest.

Tiananmen Square Tanks

Tiananmen Square Tanks

China has become one of Australia’s most important trading partners, and are ultimately the biggest reason our economy hasn’t gone completely down the toilet. But at some stage, someone has to stand up and force China to face up to the harsh realities of their actions. Sadly, with our current leadership (or current opposition) it’s unlikely to get much help from Australia.

Some good resources from the ABC on the Tiananmen Square massacre anniversary:

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2 Comments

  1. rick
    Posted 4 June, 2009 11:50 pm at 11:50 pm | Permalink

    Geoff – Thanks for all of the interesting links. I also found Mike Wittmer’s perspective insightful.

  2. TigerTom
    Posted 24 June, 2009 4:46 am at 4:46 am | Permalink

    Is it really twenty years? I feel old.

    If the West wants to destabilise China, it should just stop buying their stuff. If China wants to destabilise the West, it should dump Western currency, bonds etc.

    Neither will do this, so it’s ‘business as usual’. Probably better than chaos.