May 4th movement needs to return to its roots

The Chinese are celebrating the centenary of the May 4, 1919 student protests in a big way – a ceremony at the Great Hall of the People presided over by the President, exhibitions and concerts around the country, volunteer work by young people, even a rap music video.

Yet, another student protest in 1989, which drew inspiration from the 1919 movement, has been largely forgotten within China as the government has suppressed any mention or effort to mark it.