This podcast episode features a compelling conversation with Xiao Qiang, a key figure in understanding the legacy of the Tiananmen Square protests and China's political landscape. Through a personal lens, Xiao reflects on his experiences during and after the protests that symbolize a broader struggle for democracy and human rights in China. The discussion not only commemorates the transformative aspirations of the 1980s but also critiques the disillusionment that followed the Tiananmen crackdown, revealing how modern technology has reshaped, yet often constrained, the pursuit of freedom and democracy within the context of a surveillance state.