Updated

Australian media say Australian artist Guo Jian has been detained by Chinese authorities, the latest in a string of detentions of lawyers, artists, scholars and journalists ahead of the 25th anniversary of the military clampdown on the pro-democracy student movement centered around Beijing's Tiananmen Square.

Australia's Fairfax Media said Monday that Guo, a former soldier and protester, was taken from his home in suburban Beijing on Sunday.

Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade issued a statement saying it is seeking information on Guo's reported detention and is ready to provide him with consular assistance.

China has detained or put under house arrest dozens of people ahead of the anniversary in an attempt to prevent any commemoration of the protest and its military suppression, which remain a taboo in China.