Reflections on the recent Thai crackdown.

Images of the Norinco Type85 taking charge in the Thai army’s recent crack down on the “Red Shirt” protesters seem to echo the events of Tiananmen 22 years ago. And notice that some of the Thai troops sport imported Chinese combat helmets. However, arm chair political scientists must be careful when drawing parallels to Tiananmen. If there is one parallel, it is that both tragedies are being rewritten by all parties involved from the “experts” in Asia studies, to the students that took part, to the escaped “leaders” that continue to mike the event, to the outside “freedom fighters” and Internet warriors, and to the hardliner politicians from China and abroad. Of course the continuing Chinese government censorship regarding this topic won’t help in offering clarity on the debate.

I still remember the cause that led to June 4, 1989. And after 20 years, countless articles, memos, analyses, and books...my interpretation of the event has surprisingly remained unchanged.

There are those in China who are tempted to use the failure of the international community to condemn Thai's crack down as an example of a double standard. However, the Chinese government continues to fail in facing up to its role in the 1989 clash. They have no legs to stand on. And I hope folks realize that.