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This is because the number 4 in Eastern cultures has similar bad connotations to the number 13 in Western cultures. Specifically, the chinese character for four is shi which also sounds much like the word for death.
Many traditionally minded Chinese car owners refuse to accept license plates for their new cars that end with the number 4. So much so that the authorities in China have bowed to public demand and do not issue such license plates, much to the chagrin of reform-minded Chinese who wish to get rid of old superstitions.