The Communist Chinese government slaughtered over 10,000 of their Chinese fellow citizens on June 4, 1989, 35 years ago today. The event became known as the Tiananmen Square Massacre.
In mid-April 1989, student protests across China called for democracy and a recognition of Human Rights. The demonstrations continued into June. The students eventually started demonstrating in Tiananmen Square. The Communist Government, frustrated they could not reach an accord with the Chinese students, decided to remove the students with force; during the early morning hours of June 4, 1989, the Chinese military advanced, accompanied by tanks. The military opened fire. The United Nations estimates that the Chinese army massacred over 10,000 people in Tiananmen Square on that day.
One participant in the demonstrations became known as Tank Man. He stood before a column of tanks and stopped their advance by remaining in front of the lead tank, blocking its path with his body. Above is a picture of the Tank Man.
The Communist Chinese Government is embarrassed by the Tank Man. Also, the communist government has done much to reconcile its image in the world following the massacre of 10,000 of its citizens. As the Jamestown Foundation explains, one method is to invite American officials to China to meet. The meetings are arranged under the guise of being led by a non-profit. The purpose of the meeting is advertised as a meeting to enhance general trade globally. Councilmember Williams just completed one of those trips. Below is a link to the Jamestown Foundation publication.
Also, below is a publication of the China-United States Exchange Foundation that now appears online. It is a tribute to China-United States relations and the ties’ strength. I am sure the item will be circulated worldwide through the Chinese propaganda program, translated into multiple languages as the Chinese government distributes it. The publication shows Councilmember Williams standing in the middle of Communist China Government Officials with her “thumbs up.”
Below is a link to an article completed by a participant in the demonstrations in Tiananmen Square that day, as well as her summary of the events.
George Fuller, Ed.D.
City Councilmember, City of Oakley, CA