Final answer:
Deng Lijun's music was censored by the Chinese government but continued to grow in popularity, reflecting a tension between artistic expression and authoritarian control. This dynamic is part of China's struggle for greater openness and civil liberties, as artists like Fang Lijun also challenged political oppression.
Step-by-step explanation:
Deng Lijun's music was censored in China during a time when the country was under strict surveillance and control by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Despite government efforts to suppress what it deemed 'harmful information,' Deng Lijun's music continued to gain popularity. The suppression of cultural figures like Deng Lijun and others such as Fang Lijun, a visual artist, reflects the broader context of political oppression and the lack of human rights during various periods in China, including the Cultural Revolution and the aftermath of the Tiananmen Square protests.
The increased popularity of Deng Lijun's music, and resistance from artists like Fang Lijun, who expressed disenchantment with government policies, exemplifies the tension between artistic expression and the authoritarian controls of the CCP. This also showcases the power of art and music in reflecting the sentiment of the populace and its potential challenge to the status quo. These responses to censorship and repression contribute to an ongoing narrative of the struggle for more open expression and civil liberties within China.