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History

Tiananmen Square: The Release of the Last Prisoner and the Legacy of the Massacre

by Zuzana
written by Zuzana

Tiananmen Square: The Last Prisoner’s Release

The Tiananmen Square Protests

In 1989, thousands of people, mostly students, gathered in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square to protest against the Chinese government’s authoritarian rule and demand democratic reforms. The protests were sparked by the death of Hu Yaobang, a popular reformist leader.

The government responded to the protests with a brutal crackdown. On June 4, 1989, tanks and troops entered the square and opened fire on the demonstrators. Hundreds, possibly thousands, of people were killed.

Miao Deshun’s Imprisonment

Miao Deshun was one of the many protesters who were arrested in the aftermath of the Tiananmen Square massacre. He was accused of arson for throwing a basket at a burning tank. He was sentenced to death, but his sentence was later reduced to life in prison.

Deshun spent 27 years in prison, during which time he was tortured and denied visits from his family. He was released in 2016, suffering from hepatitis B and mental illness.

The Chinese Government’s Crackdown

The Tiananmen Square massacre was a watershed moment in Chinese history. It led to a crackdown on dissent and the suppression of free speech and assembly. The government also implemented a policy of economic liberalization, which led to rapid economic growth but also increased inequality and corruption.

The Legacy of Tiananmen Square

The Tiananmen Square massacre remains a taboo subject in China. The government censors all mention of it in the media and textbooks. However, the memory of the massacre lives on, both in China and around the world.

The release of Miao Deshun is a reminder of the Chinese government’s continuing suppression of dissent. It is also a reminder of the importance of fighting for freedom and democracy, even in the face of adversity.

The Prisoners of Tiananmen Square

In addition to Miao Deshun, hundreds of other protesters were arrested and imprisoned in the aftermath of the Tiananmen Square massacre. Many of them were tortured and denied due process. Some were executed, while others died in prison.

The Chinese government has never fully accounted for the number of people who were killed or imprisoned during the Tiananmen Square crackdown. However, human rights groups estimate that the number is in the thousands.

The Economic Reforms

In the years following the Tiananmen Square massacre, the Chinese government implemented a series of economic reforms that led to rapid economic growth. These reforms included the privatization of state-owned enterprises, the opening of the country to foreign investment, and the establishment of a market economy.

The economic reforms lifted millions of people out of poverty and created a new middle class. However, they also led to increased inequality and corruption.

The Censorship of Tiananmen Square

The Chinese government has always been sensitive to any mention of the Tiananmen Square massacre. The massacre is not mentioned in Chinese textbooks, and any mention of it in the media is quickly censored.

The government’s censorship of Tiananmen Square is a reminder of its continuing suppression of dissent. It is also a reminder of the importance of fighting for freedom of speech and assembly.

The Memory of Tiananmen Square

The memory of the Tiananmen Square massacre lives on, both in China and around the world. The massacre is a reminder of the dangers of authoritarian rule and the importance of fighting for freedom and democracy.

The release of Miao Deshun is a small step towards reconciliation. However, the Chinese government must do more to account for the Tiananmen Square massacre and to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again.

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Space Science

China’s Tianwen-1 Mission: Triumphant Orbit Around Mars, Future Landing Ambitions

by Peter
written by Peter

China’s Tianwen-1 Mission: A Triumphant Step Towards Mars

Tianwen-1’s Successful Orbit

China’s ambitious Tianwen-1 mission has achieved a major milestone by successfully entering orbit around Mars. The spacecraft, named “Questions to Heaven,” arrived in Martian orbit on February 10, marking a significant achievement for China’s rapidly growing space program.

Tianwen-1 is carrying a lander and a rover, which are scheduled to attempt a landing on the Martian surface in approximately three months. The mission’s primary scientific goals include studying Martian geology, analyzing soil composition, and searching for evidence of water on the Red Planet.

China’s Mars Ambitions

Tianwen-1 is the second of three major Mars missions that arrived at their destination this month. The United Arab Emirates’ Hope probe and the United States’ Perseverance rover have also reached Mars, taking advantage of a favorable alignment between Earth and its neighboring planet.

China’s successful Mars orbit insertion is a significant step towards its ultimate goal of becoming the third country to land a spacecraft on the Martian surface. If Tianwen-1’s lander and rover successfully touch down, China will join the United States as the only nations to have accomplished this feat.

Tianwen-1’s Landing Strategy

To prepare for the upcoming landing attempt, Tianwen-1 will follow a strategy similar to that used by the U.S. Viking landers in the 1970s. This involves entering a controlled orbit around Mars prior to initiating the descent.

The spacecraft will utilize a parachute, rocket thrusters, and airbags to safely land on the Martian surface. The planned landing site is Utopia Planitia, a region that was previously explored by the U.S. Viking 2 lander in 1976.

China’s Space Program

Tianwen-1’s success is the latest testament to China’s rapidly developing space program. In recent years, China has achieved several notable milestones, including the successful landing of a rover on the far side of the moon in 2019.

China’s space ambitions extend beyond Mars and the moon. The country is planning to build a space station, send a crewed mission to the moon, and potentially establish a permanent lunar research base.

International Cooperation and Exploration

The Tianwen-1 mission highlights the growing international cooperation in space exploration. While the United States, China, and the United Arab Emirates are currently pursuing their own Mars missions, there is also a shared desire to collaborate on future endeavors.

International cooperation is essential for advancing our understanding of the Martian environment and potentially discovering life beyond Earth. By working together, nations can pool their resources and expertise to achieve ambitious scientific goals.

The Significance of Tianwen-1

Tianwen-1’s successful orbit around Mars is a major achievement for China’s space program and a significant milestone in the global exploration of our neighboring planet. The mission’s upcoming landing attempt will be closely watched around the world, and its success would further solidify China’s position as a leading spacefaring nation.

Tianwen-1’s scientific investigations and potential discoveries will contribute to our understanding of Mars and its place in our solar system. The mission is a testament to human curiosity and our unwavering desire to explore the unknown.

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Engineering

China’s New Highway System: An Engineering Marvel Transforming the Country

by Rosa
written by Rosa

China’s New Highway System: An Engineering Marvel

Massive Growth in Transportation Infrastructure

China’s new highway system is a testament to the country’s rapid economic growth and its commitment to infrastructure development. In recent years, China has invested heavily in expanding and improving its transportation network, and the new highway system is a major part of this effort.

Satellite photographs reveal the massive scale of the new highway system. The network spans the entire country, connecting major cities, industrial centers, and rural areas. The highways are wide and well-maintained, and they feature state-of-the-art technology, such as intelligent traffic management systems and electronic toll collection.

Engineering Marvel

The construction of China’s new highway system was a major engineering feat. The highways had to be built across a variety of terrains, including mountains, deserts, and rivers. Engineers also had to overcome challenges such as landslides, earthquakes, and extreme weather conditions.

The result is a highway system that is both efficient and resilient. The highways are designed to handle high volumes of traffic, and they are built to withstand even the most severe weather conditions.

Interactive Map

To explore the new highway system in more detail, check out the interactive map courtesy of ESRI. The map allows you to zoom in and out, and to see the location of specific highways and other transportation infrastructure.

Transforming the Country’s Landscape

China’s new highway system is having a major impact on the country’s landscape. The highways are opening up new areas for development, and they are making it easier for people and goods to move around the country.

The highways are also having a positive impact on the environment. By reducing traffic congestion, the highways are helping to improve air quality. And by providing a more efficient way to transport goods, the highways are helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The Role of ESRI

ESRI, a leading provider of geographic information systems (GIS) software, played a major role in the development of China’s new highway system. ESRI’s GIS technology was used to plan the routes of the highways, to design the bridges and tunnels, and to manage the construction process.

Behind-the-Scenes with Natasha Geiling

Natasha Geiling, a leading transportation expert, provides a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of China’s new highway system. In her article, Geiling discusses the challenges that engineers faced during construction, and she explains how the highways are transforming the country’s landscape.

Conclusion

China’s new highway system is a major achievement in engineering and infrastructure development. The highways are connecting the country, transforming the landscape, and improving the environment. The system is a testament to China’s commitment to progress and innovation.

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Ancient Civilizations

Donkey Polo in Tang Dynasty China: A Noblewoman’s Uncommon Passion

by Zuzana
written by Zuzana

Donkey Polo: A Noblewoman’s Uncommon Passion in Tang Dynasty China

Ancient Chinese Nobility’s Love for Donkeys

In ancient China, donkeys were often seen as humble pack animals, lacking the prestige of their equine counterparts. However, a recent archaeological discovery sheds light on a Tang Dynasty noblewoman named Cui Shi who defied societal expectations with her profound love for donkeys.

Cui Shi’s Passion for Polo

Cui Shi, a high-born lady from Xi’an, held a deep passion for polo, a popular but dangerous sport. Understanding the risks associated with horse polo, Cui Shi sought an alternative that would allow her to continue her beloved pastime safely.

The Introduction of Donkey Polo

Chinese nobles devised a variant of polo called Lvju, where donkeys replaced horses. Donkeys were slower, steadier, and closer to the ground, reducing the likelihood of serious injuries. While horse polo was more common, donkey polo also gained some popularity, though it was not as well-documented.

Cui Shi’s Request to Be Buried with Her Polo Donkeys

Before her untimely demise at the age of 59, Cui Shi expressed her desire to be buried with several of her beloved polo donkeys. This unusual request suggests that she wished to continue her equestrian passion in the afterlife.

Archaeological Evidence of Donkey Polo

Cui Shi’s tomb was eventually looted, but archaeologists were able to uncover animal bones that provided valuable insights. Radiocarbon dating confirmed that the bones belonged to donkeys that lived around the time of her death.

Physical Evidence of Polo Activity

The donkeys’ bones exhibited stress marks indicative of extensive sprinting and turning, a characteristic of polo-playing equids. This suggests that the donkeys in Cui Shi’s tomb were used for polo, not for transportation or other labor-intensive activities.

Challenging Societal Norms

Cui Shi’s love for donkeys and her decision to be buried with them challenged the prevailing societal views of the time. Donkeys were typically associated with ordinary folk, not with high-ranking nobles.

Recognition for Donkeys’ Contributions

The discovery of Cui Shi’s tomb and the evidence of donkey polo highlight the often-overlooked contributions of donkeys in ancient Chinese society. These animals were not merely beasts of burden but also played a significant role in the lives of the elite.

Unveiling the Past

The archaeological findings provide a glimpse into the lives of ancient Chinese nobles and their unique sporting practices. By shedding light on Cui Shi’s passion for donkey polo, researchers gain a better understanding of the diversity and complexity of ancient Chinese society.

Continuing Research

While the evidence strongly suggests that the donkeys in Cui Shi’s tomb were used for polo, further research is needed to fully understand the prevalence and popularity of this sport in ancient China. Future studies may reveal additional insights into the role of donkeys in the lives of the Chinese people.

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Culture

The Rise of Gaming Terms in Chinese Speech: How Online Gaming is Shaping Language

by Zuzana
written by Zuzana

Trending: Gaming Terms Invade Chinese Vernacular

The Rise of Gamer Lingo in Chinese Speech

Online gaming’s immense popularity in China has led to a fascinating linguistic phenomenon: the integration of gamer lingo into everyday speech. Terms like “PK” (Player Kill), “Live-action Counter-Strike,” and “Full Blood Resurrection” have become commonplace, even among non-gamers.

Examples of Gaming Terms in Chinese Usage

  • “PK” is now used in singing competitions to refer to defeating an opponent.
  • “Live-action Counter-Strike” has been adopted to promote paintball and laser-tag games.
  • “Full Blood Resurrection,” originally denoting a restored health bar in video games, was recently used in newspapers to describe the reinflation of a giant rubber duck in Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbor.

Factors Contributing to the Trend

The massive Chinese video game market, with its vast number of gamers, has played a significant role in this linguistic shift. The popularity of online multiplayer games like World of Warcraft and DOTA 2 has further accelerated the adoption of gamer lingo.

Another factor is the government’s recent lifting of the ban on consoles like Xbox and PlayStation. This has increased the accessibility of video games and exposed a wider audience to gaming terminology.

The Impact of Gaming on Chinese Culture

The influence of gaming on Chinese culture extends beyond language. Phrases like “PK” have become metaphors for competition in various contexts, such as singing competitions. Gaming terms have also been used to describe real-world events, as seen in the example of “Full Blood Resurrection” and the reinflated rubber duck.

The Dark Side of Online Gaming in China

China’s embrace of online gaming has also brought challenges. Internet and gaming addiction is a growing concern, with an estimated 24 million addicts in the country.

In some cases, the government has profited from the virtual economies within online multiplayer games by forcing prisoners to become “gold farmers.” These prisoners spend long hours collecting virtual gold through monotonous in-game tasks, which is then sold to gamers worldwide for real money.

Conclusion

The integration of gaming terms into Chinese vernacular reflects the profound impact of online gaming on Chinese society. While this linguistic phenomenon has its playful and creative aspects, it also highlights the potential social and economic challenges associated with excessive gaming.

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