The only reason we are fascinated with it is because it is a banned topic in chat, in public Chinese forums, and in language models. Yes, you can ask a Chinese about it in a private setting, no, you can’t talk about it with a large group. No, the what aboutism Kent State massacre doesn’t really compare because the US government hasn’t taken down the Wikipedia page on it.

The Chinese government makes the topic fascinating by banning it. Just like banned books in China get a sales boost at street side book sellers, or kids wear something their parents specifically tell them not to wear.