pewforum.org Religion News on the Web
January 13, 2011

AP: Confucius shows up on Tiananmen Square as China's leaders take refuge in message of harmony

by Anita Chang
The Associated Press

BEIJING — There's a new face keeping Chairman Mao company on Tiananmen Square.

A mammoth sculpture of the ancient philosopher Confucius was unveiled this week off one side of the vast plaza. It's a jarring juxtaposition for a square the ruling Communist Party treats as politically hallowed ground: a mausoleum holding revolutionary leader Mao Zedong's body sits in the middle and his giant portrait hangs at one end.

Read the complete story(Some news sites require registration)