Prisoner of the State: The Secret Journal of Premier Zhao Ziyang

"Zhao may be more dangerous in death than he was in life." -- "Time" "Prisoner of the State" offers an unprecedented, front-row seat to the secretive inner workings of China's government, presenting the remarkable story of Premier Zhao Ziyang. Zhao, a proponent of liberal change, attempted to halt the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre, leading to his dethronement and sixteen years of house arrest until his death in 2005. Despite official silence, Zhao secretly recorded his thoughts and recollections on audiotapes, which were meticulously smuggled out of the country and form the basis of this revealing memoir. Within this audio journal, Zhao provides intimate details about the Tiananmen crackdown, exposes the ploys and double-crosses among China's top leaders, and passionately advocates for China's adoption of democracy to achieve long-term stability. The book portrays a China that, while embracing economic freedom, continues to resist political change, echoing Zhao's vision for a more open and tolerant society. Though speaking from the grave in this moving and riveting memoir, Zhao's voice carries immense moral power, urging China to confront its future. This Hardcover copy is in Good condition, without a dust jacket.

• Author: Zhao, Ziyang
• Publisher: Simon and Schuster
• Year: 2009
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: Good
• ISBN: 9781439149386