Ten years ago to the day, Tiananmen and the surrounding streets were filled with the debris left from the crushing of student pro-democracy protests that had captivated the world for six weeks. Hundreds, maybe thousands, were killed, according to differing estimates.

China for a while became a pariah. But now it is back on route to claiming its spot as a major world power. And the government has insisted that commemorations for Tiananmen, either in China or abroad are not welcome.

Ten years ago, the square was filled with burning tents that had housed the student protesters, the remnants of barricades that were torn down by tanks and the smashed `statue of liberty' they had built.

Now pneumatic drills and bulldozers have taken over the square. Hundreds of workers are racing against the clock to get the central Beijingsquare ready to be the centre of international attention again when Communist China marks its 50th anniversary on October 1.

The square has been totally blocked off to the public for several months, while Chinese and North Korean flags were put up on the main Chang'an Avenue to mark the visit by North Korean number two leader Kim Yong-Nam.

Discreet police reinforcements around the square and Zhongnanhai was the only sign that June 4 was an important day in Chinese history. Police who are normally present to control the chaotic traffic were noticeably absent however.

``I am going to work and I have nothing else to say,'' said one Beijing man waiting for a bus near the square. ``June 4, that is a story for Westerners,'' complained another nearby.

``It's true the People's Army should not have crushed the students. But what could we have done?'' commented one taxi driver.

To prevent any risk of protests, the authorities have rounded up dissidents and issued serious warnings against any attempt todestabilise social order.

At least a dozen dissidents have been arrested in Beijing and the eastern city of Hangzhou, where a commemorative ceremony in tribute to the students had been planned for Thursday but could not go ahead.

Police in Hangzhou broke up any gathering of four or more people to make sure there could be no event.