31 years ago, hope blossomed in Europe. In China, it was crushed.

For a while it looked like China was coming around. The 90s were a decade full of optimism for the future. China had been step by step liberalizing ever since 1978 after all. When Hong Kong was handed over to China, people were cautious, many people left. But as things seemed to stay normal, people and business returned.

Today, as strong and unified as China is, politically, economically and militarily, it's still too weak to speak openly about the past. Mention Tiananmen Square or 6/4 on Chinese networks today and nobody will see it. Many people born after 1989 haven't heard of it.

Freedom in Hong Kong has been continually eroded. Today for the first time in 30 years, the authorities won't approve a candlelight vigil in Victoria Park for the victims of 6/4, citing health risks even though businesses, swimming pools and schools are now opening up.

It doesn't look good. Not good at all.

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