Frontline Season 10 Episode 20 China After Tiananmen
- June 2, 1992
In the aftermath of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests, China underwent significant changes in its political and economic landscape. The 20th episode of Frontline's 10th season explores what has happened in China since the protests, and how the government has dealt with various challenges in the decades since.
The episode opens with footage from the Tiananmen Square protests, showing the massive crowds of protestors and the military crackdown that followed. It then shifts to a discussion of how the Chinese government responded to the protests, including the arrests and trials of many of the protest leaders. The episode also explores how the government's response to the protests affected the broader population, with many people losing faith in the government and the Communist Party.
From there, the episode delves into the changes that occurred in China in the years after the protests. It examines the government's efforts to modernize the economy, including the development of special economic zones and the growth of private enterprise. The show also explores the tension between the government's desire for economic growth and its commitment to maintaining strict political control.
The episode features interviews with a range of experts on China's politics and economy, including scholars and journalists. The guests offer insights into how China's political system has evolved in the years since Tiananmen, and how the country has managed to maintain its authoritarian regime while also embracing economic reforms.
Throughout the episode, viewers are presented with a nuanced look at the many challenges facing China as it continues to evolve politically and economically. The show covers topics such as corruption, censorship, and human rights abuses, and explores how these issues are intertwined with China's economic growth.
Ultimately, China After Tiananmen offers viewers a rich and fascinating look at the complexities of modern China, and the many ways in which the country is grappling with the legacy of its past. Whether you are a student of Chinese politics or simply someone interested in understanding the world's most populous country, this episode of Frontline is sure to provide you with plenty of food for thought.