Tiananmen Square: The Legacy of Defiance, 36 Years On

Tiananmen Square's 36th anniversary marks a somber reminder of China's violent crackdown on pro-democracy protesters. Despite the absence of official recognition, the event's echoes persist through landmark moments leading up to and following the demonstrations, serving as a symbol of resistance and repression in modern history.

Marking the 36th anniversary, the world remembers the Tiananmen Square massacre, a pivotal moment when Chinese forces violently suppressed pro-democracy protests. Despite a veil of censorship in China, the incident's significance endures globally.

The unrest was sparked by economic instability and slow-paced reforms. Demonstrations commenced after the death of reformist Hu Yaobang in April 1989. Students, calling for change, gathered in vast numbers, igniting a sequence of events that would lead to martial law.

On June 4, troops unleashed deadly force, leading to a chilling symbolic image: a lone man facing down tanks. China's attempt to erase this chapter contrasts with global recognition, as the event remains a symbol of courage against oppression.

(With inputs from agencies.)