Footage shows what really happened in lead-up to Tiananmen Square massacre

An incredible trove of footage from the ABC’s archive shows scenes of joy and optimism on the streets of China that have not been seen since the Communist Party’s brutal killing of its own people 30 years ago.

To mark the anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre, Four Corners has carefully pieced together vision and audio captured by ABC reporters and crew that show how the events unfolded in the Spring of 1989.

The film, Tremble and Obey, includes interviews with many of the key participants of the protest movement who were subsequently placed on China’s ‘most wanted’ list. I am a Chinese and this is precious. We were never told this happened in school, we were never allowed to talk about this, we aren't even allowed to post anything or change anything on our social media during this time of the year. It's been 30 years and we're still seperated from the truth.

All besides, this scares me, and make me feel despair. Looking at how the country treated those who dared to stand out against it makes me feel like there's no need, or no hope at all in change all these. There's nothing much we can do other than run away from it.

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