CHINA KEEPS TIGHT LID ON TIANANMEN CRACKDOWN 36 YEARS ON

Wednesday marks 36 years since the violent crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrators in Beijing's Tiananmen Square. But fewer and fewer younger Chinese people know anything about it. A number of students and citizens in and around the square were cut down when soldiers opened fire on June 4, 1989. The government puts the death toll at 319. But many believe the actual figure is much higher. The government maintains its response to what it describes as “turmoil” was correct. The square and the avenue leading up to it have been under tight security since last week. People in Beijing mostly refused to speak to foreign media. A woman in her 30s said she knew very little about the incident.

(Citizen) “We might have heard of the incident, but have no clear idea, as we haven't studied it.”

The government keeps a tight lid on any discussion of the episode. The number “64” is taboo, as it evokes the date, June 4.