Organisers of the Hong Kong demonstration said the unexpectedly high turnout proved the anniversary had brought a new emphasis to rememberingthose who died in the 4 June killings. "Seeing so many people here, I know they have not forgotten," said Hong Kong legislator and pro-democracy campaigner Martin Lee. "As long as Hong Kong can keep pushing for democracy, it will have a good influence on China." Many of those attending the demonstration say they see the occasion as vital to the preservation of Hong Kong's freedom of speech. Since its return to China two years ago, the territory has been the only part of China where public commemorations of the sensitive anniversary have been allowed to take place. Beijing crackdown The Chinese Government has acknowledged that more than 200 people died when tanks rolled into the square 10 years ago to end the protests. Other estimates say many more were killed as Chinese troops opened fire on the demonstrators.

In Beijing, two demonstrators were arrested after breaching security cordons in Tiananmen Square. One man opened an umbrella covered with pro-democracy slogans, and another scattered leaflets beforebeing overpowered. Tight security was in place around the square and much of the area was closed off for repaving behin green metal hoarding. Reports said police also briefly detained three dissidents in Xian in northern China after breaking up a small commemoration at a private house. In the run up to the anniversary, a number of activists were detained and extra police were reported to be on alert as the authorities sought to prevent any commemorations of those who died. Other dissidents, along with outspoken family members of those killed 10 years ago, said they had been put under round-the-clock surveillance. Broadcasts of the US cable news station CNN were cut off in hotels and many residential buildings in Beijing. On Thursday, China's Foreign Ministry spokesman brushed aside questions about the events of 4 June 1989. He reiterated the government's position that its operation to crush the protest was necessary to maintain stability and laid the ground for a decade of economic growth. Marking the10th anniversary of the crackdown, the United States has called on Beijing to "right the wrongs" committed in Tiananmen Square . "US-China relations will not reach their full potential until China brings its human rights practices into compliance with its obligations under international human rights instruments," said State Department spokesman James Rubin. But despite China's renewed clampdown on dissidents, President Clinton told Congress on Thursday that he wanted to renew China's trade privileges for another year, saying trade was a force for change in China.

The issue is expected to spark a stormy debate over the future of US relations with China, following allegations of Chinese spying and growing concerns about human rights abuses.