China's Tiananmen secure on June 4 anniversary

BEIJING, June 4 (Reuters) Chinese police joined throngs of tourists in a crowded Tiananmen Square today, poised to head off any incidents to mark the anniversary of the bloody military crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrations 17 years ago.

With checkpoints at entrances to the square and sentries at subway stops, the security presence in and around China's symbolic political heart appeared no more overt than usual.

But in line with the unspoken policy of ''wai song, nei jin'' -- relaxed on the outside, vigilant internally -- plainclothes policemen mingled with sightseers following their flag-waving guides, ready to pounce should one attempt to mark the day by unfurling a protest banner, kneeling to pray or laying wreaths.

The security ritual has occurred annually since June 4, 1989. That was when troops backed by tanks shot their way from the city outskirts to the edge of the square to end rallies for democracy that students had led there since mid-April when they had gathered to mourn the death of reformist leader Hu Yaobang.

Hundreds, perhaps thousands, were killed.

Students on the square on Sunday appeared more interested in the sights -- Mao Zedong's mausoleum, the Great Hall of the People and the history museum flank the immense open space -- than in politics.

''Is today a special day? Is it your birthday?'' said Qing Chaoyun, 23, a student from the northern province of Hebei when asked if she knew what anniversary it was.

''Oh, he's talking about the trouble in 1989,'' said her friend, who declined to give her name. ''That was a very long time ago,'' she said with a giggle.

REUTERS SK PC1700