The June 4th Memorial Museum in New York, established by Tiananmen Square protest veterans, preserves the memory of the 1989 pro-democracy movement. The museum, which opened after the closure of a similar institution in Hong Kong, houses artifacts and exhibits related to the protests. Despite financial challenges and limited operating hours, the museum continues to receive support and contributions. The article highlights the personal stories of those involved, including Zhou Fengsuo and other activists, while also addressing internal conflicts and external pressures.

Taiwan faces ongoing societal divisions over the legacy of its first president, Chiang Kai-shek, as it prepares for the inauguration of its new president, William Lai Ching-te. The island's history of martial law and the February 28 Incident continues to polarize opinions, complicating efforts for transitional justice. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and Kuomintang (KMT) remain at odds, with the military's historical allegiance to Chiang adding to the tension. As Taiwan confronts increasing pressure from China, there is a call for unity in shaping a collective future, with historical memory playing a crucial role.

In the early 1990s, a mysterious illness spread among villagers in central China, later identified as HIV/AIDS, primarily transmitted through contaminated blood trade. Dr Gao Yaojie, a retired gynaecologist, exposed the epidemic's source, leading to her persecution and eventual exile. Despite official attempts to erase her legacy, Gao's efforts are remembered alongside other whistleblowers like Li Wenliang. The article highlights the Chinese government's secrecy and its repercussions, drawing parallels with the COVID-19 pandemic. Gao's story underscores the high cost of whistleblowing in China and the ongoing struggle for transparency.

Thousands of Hong Kong protesters defied a new security law imposed by Beijing, leading to police responses with water cannon, pepper spray, tear gas, and arrests. Dominic Raab stated that the UK concluded the law violated the Joint Declaration, threatening Hong Kong's autonomy.

Hong Kong protesters marched to the US consulate, urging President Trump to support the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act. The act would require an annual review of Hong Kong's trading status and impose sanctions on those suppressing freedoms. Despite the withdrawal of an extradition bill, protests continue with demands for an independent inquiry into police conduct, amnesty for charged protesters, withdrawal of the 'rioter' label, and fully democratic elections. The movement aims to internationalize the issue, gaining some success in attracting global attention.

Tenzin Tsultrim, now 87, recalls his involvement in the Tibetan resistance against China's invasion, which began when he was a teenager. The resistance, supported covertly by the US, lasted from 1957 to 1973 and was marked by clandestine operations and training by the CIA. Tsultrim, who trained in the US, became a key figure in the resistance. The article also highlights the efforts of Jamyang Norbu, a researcher and writer, to document this history, culminating in his book 'Echoes from Forgotten Mountains: Tibet in War and Peace'. The resistance's legacy remains significant, despite its complex place in Tibetan history.

Hong Kong activists, once empowered by mass protests, now face a harsh reality under the National Security Law imposed by Beijing in 2020. The law has led to numerous arrests and the suppression of civil liberties. Hong Kong officials are now pushing for even stricter local security legislation. Activists like Fermi Wong and Jay Chan recall the empowering protests of the past but now see their core values swiftly eroded. Legal experts highlight Beijing's significant influence over Hong Kong's autonomy in drafting these laws, further tightening control over the region.

The article discusses the growing assertiveness of the LGBT community in China, highlighting several legal cases where individuals have stood up against discrimination and conversion therapy. Peng Yanhui, founder of LGBT Rights Advocacy, won a lawsuit in 2014 against clinics offering a 'cure' for homosexuality. Since then, there have been more cases where gays and lesbians have sought legal redress, including a gay husband who was compensated for wrongful confinement and a transgender man who was unlawfully fired. Despite the lack of laws against discrimination based on sexual orientation, some have used existing laws to challenge unfair treatment. Human Rights Watch has called for a ban on conversion therapy. LGBT communities have been growing online and through organizations like PFLAG China. The article also touches on the challenges posed by new government rules aimed at censoring online content related to homosexuality.

The search for the origins of COVID-19 remains unresolved, with debates continuing over whether the virus emerged from a natural zoonotic pathway or a laboratory leak. Efforts by the World Health Organization and other scientific bodies have been hampered by limited data and transparency from China. Experts like Colin Butler and Alina Chan express skepticism about the transparency of both Chinese and US authorities. Recent studies suggest the Huanan Seafood Market as the pandemic's epicenter, but the lack of conclusive evidence leaves the question open. The ongoing pandemic highlights the need for better handling of wild animals to prevent future outbreaks.

Hong Kong's M+ museum, a significant cultural development, opens amid concerns over censorship due to the National Security Law. The law, imposed by China, limits artistic freedom, affecting exhibitions and leading to self-censorship among artists. The museum's decision to exclude certain controversial works highlights the challenges faced in maintaining artistic expression. The situation reflects broader concerns about the erosion of democratic freedoms in Hong Kong, with artists and filmmakers navigating increased scrutiny and restrictions.