Matt Schiavenza From the Dragon to the Apple- A Sinophile in New York

Grandpa Wen on CNN

Chinese premier Wen Jiabao was interviewed recently by well-regarded foreign affairs journalist Fareed Zakaria. A transcript of the conversation is here.

Note the exchange regarding Tiananmen Square. Wen was photographed standing next to former Premier Zhao Ziyang as the latter addressed the demonstrating students in 1989. Zhao, who was the lone member of the Politburo to oppose the crackdown, was purged from the Chinese government and lived his remaining years in anonymous exile in Beijing.

Wen is justifiably popular for his leadership after the Sichuan earthquake, but when asked about his thoughts about 6/4 he was slippery without being evasive. He managed to answer the question directly without giving Zakaria any admission of guilt, or even regret. Very slick. Perhaps Sarah Palin should watch.