Tiananmen v. WWII

The dedication of the WWII memorial in D.C. is not the only commemoration going on today. While Americans remembered the War to preserve democracy, 5,000 Hong Kong demonstrators remembered the Beijing massacre that kept it at bay.

Fifteen years ago, the Chinese government sent tanks and troops into Tiananmen Square to disperse peaceful pro-democracy activists, "killing hundreds, perhaps even thousands."

The Independent of Zaire has thoughtful coverage of the Hong Kong demonstrations:

"Return the power to the people! End one-party rule!" the demonstrators demanded in slogans that have been condemned by Chinese officials. In mainland China, the ruling Communists ban any other political party.

Brandishing banners and placards, singing patriotic ballads, the protesters marched from Victoria Park to the main government offices in the heart of the Asian financial hub.

Some carried a mock coffin symbolising the "death of democracy".

Political tension is rising after Beijing said last month it would not allow full direct elections in 2007, when the next election of the city's leader is due.

The resignations of some popular broadcasters have fuelled the tension, because they cited threats of violence in incidents that prompted questions about freedoms in the city.

"We are here to mourn those who died 15 years ago," said Szeto Wah of the organising Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements in China.

Protesters urged China to vindicate the movement.

"I have come here every year and I will continue to come so long as the movement is not vindicated. So many people have died and their lives must be remembered," said a marcher who identified herself as Mrs Yam.

"Release all dissidents held on the mainland!" Szeto shouted. "Allow all Chinese dissidents in exile overseas to return home!"

I wonder if the French media are covering this story, given their slavish desire to please and appease the Chinese government (just search this blog for the word "French" ...)?