Thursday, 4 June 2009
Clinton pressures China over Tiananmen Square
Link to BBC article on how Hillary Clinton has has urged China to publicly account for those killed in the suppression of the Tiananmen Square protests 20 years ago. Despite economic and social reforms, China lags behind in reforming its human rights abuses and civil liberties. The statement from Hillary Clinton represents a tougher line than the Obama administration has taken so far when addressing China's human rights record. As Mrs Clinton states in the article, the anniversary was a chance for China to "reflect upon the meaning of the events that preceded that day". She said China "should examine openly the darker events of its past and provide a public accounting of those killed, detained or missing, both to learn and to heal. China can honour the memory of that day by moving to give the rule of law, protection of internationally-recognised human rights, and democratic development the same priority as it has given to economic reform".
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
The footage of these protests damaged the reputation of China in the west. It seems odd that they haven’t addressed this tragic event that happened so many years ago on this date. It was estimated at 14,000 people were killed and 10,000 were injuried.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6inWKFKv9UA&feature=related
This is a link to some images of the events that lead up to the events of June 4th 1989
Perhaps China would take their human rights more seriously if countries like NZ didn't choose to overlook their horrendous record in exchange for things like FTA's.
ReplyDeleteChina should account for what it did in Tiananmen square 20 years ago. It is good that the U.s is not just turning a blind eye to these kind of things just because they are relying heavily on China. Human rights still seems to be on Americas agenda.
ReplyDeleteAs long as the rest of the world essentially lets CHina get away with this stuff, ie trade agreeements, tourism etc, China will think it is ok and continue to break human righs.
ReplyDeleteTaking action against China is too inconvenient for Western countries relying on its cheap labour and goods. Better to use feel-good ceremonies like the Olympics to get things done. Though it seems as though being put momentarily in the international spotlight at least resulted in a slightly freer internet, if not much. I was cynical and expected absolutely no change. Not that things are better in China, but it was a surprise.
ReplyDeleteI was surprised that the student protestors preceding the massacre often refused to let workers join their protests. It seems intuitive to let more people join in for it to have an effect. I suppose they miscalculated their government's corruption by far. If they could only read that article about assurance games and tipping points revolution might occur.