Almost A Revolution
After a plethora of books by Western journalists, Tong provides a much needed insider's account of the events leading up to the Tiananmen Square massacre. As a student at Beijing University and a leader of the 1989 prodemocracy movement, Tong was in an excellent position to view firsthand those heady weeks. He describes the infighting of the student organizations, as well as the determination and courage of the students and the Chinese people who supported their cause. More important, his book reinforces the argument, contrary to Chinese government assertions, that the prodemocracy movement was spontaneous and unplanned.
Related
Three new books detail Xinjiang's long history of oppression. As they show, Beijing's rule there has always been harsh -- but never so bad as in the last few years.
Reviews the US debate between those favouring constructive engagement and those calling for China's censure and isolation on account of human rights abuses. US policy-makers should seek to extend economic ties while also speaking frankly on human rights issues -- it is impolitic to make the former conditional on the latter.
The Big Chill has descended over China. Sino-American relations are suffering. While we assess the ramifications, we must also look beyond the crisis and sketch blueprints for a warmer climate, for the present season will not long endure.

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