I'd prefer to see peaceful reform. We want to use our market research for the public good, to influence policy making. Reopening a public debate about events of 1989 at this point, he believes, serves no useful purpose. Then there are the many workers, farmers and functionaries all over China who are focused on improving their lives today and getting a fair shot at the future. When they feel cheated, many have taken to the streets in protest.
Officials admit privately that every day, somewhere in China, there is a demonstration.
Experts who study the reasons behind Chinese protests in the 1990s say protesters focus now on getting immediate results and solving immediate problems. What happened 10 years ago in Beijing does not appear to be among their pressing problems. That's little consolation for parents like Ding Zilin and Jiang Peikun. They say they will continue to demand a government apology and public trial as long as they are able. What they want may be a long time coming.