Remembering Tiananmen

The mass movement in Tiananmen Square was a pivotal point in Chinese history. As China turns the page to what looks like a new and turbulent chapter, will the calls for reform 30 years ago have any resonance?

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"We remember June Fourth because there are people who dearly want us to remember. It comforts them to know that we remember.

"We remember June Fourth because there are also people who desperately want us not to remember. They want us to forget because forgetting helps to preserve their political power."

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on June 07, 2019, with the headline Remembering Tiananmen. Subscribe