The book “The Tiananmen Papers“, by Liang Zhang, gives an unprecedented and in-depth account of the most controversial political event of the 20th century in China. On June 4, 1989, the Chinese government’s crackdown on the Tiananmen Square protests remains a pivotal point in China’s history, shrouded in government-imposed secrecy and censorship. Yet, the book brings forth a treasure trove of hitherto hidden truths.
Zhang has compiled over a thousand documents, letters, meeting minutes, and transcripts with the intent of showing what happened behind the scenes. It pertains directly to how the Chinese Communist Party, military leaders, and the local police handled the uprising. Consequently, it brings forth internal monologues and dialogues of the political machinations inside the government.
The book’s content is shared from anonymous insiders, considered to be from a top-tier level within the government during the events following the uprising. These documents reportedly are original and untouched, giving a raw view of the government’s stand and its internal unrest.
“The Tiananmen Papers“, therefore, isn’t just a book. It’s an act of valor, serving the world a piece of unrevised history that the Chinese government strives hard to erase. The glimpse of the backstage of the Chinese government creates a vivid image of the power dynamics and the political turmoil during the period.
From civilian protests to the internal government struggle, it presents a narrative of China’s history that has long been kept from public view. Zhang’s immense courage and dedication to revealing the truth underline the significance of the book. For those invested in understanding China and its politics better, this book is a remarkable investment.