16.2 Government response and international reactions

The Tiananmen Square protests of 1989 shook China's political landscape. Initially cautious, the government's response escalated to martial law and military intervention, resulting in a violent crackdown on June 3-4. This pivotal event had far-reaching consequences for China's domestic and international relations.

The aftermath saw widespread arrests, increased surveillance, and a climate of fear. Internationally, China faced condemnation, sanctions, and diplomatic isolation. The government tightly controlled information about the events, censoring media and suppressing public discourse, shaping how the protests are remembered today.

Government Response to Tiananmen Square Protests

Government response to Tiananmen protests

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• Government initially took a cautious approach hoping protests would dissipate on their own led by Deng Xiaoping
• Hardliners within the government pushed for a stronger response viewing protests as a threat to Communist Party's authority
• Martial law declared in Beijing on May 20, 1989 signaled a shift towards a more aggressive stance by the government
• Deng Xiaoping and other party leaders ultimately decided to deploy the People's Liberation Army (PLA) to suppress the protests
  • PLA troops from outside Beijing brought in to avoid fraternization with local residents and protesters
  • PLA forcibly cleared Tiananmen Square and surrounding areas on June 3-4, 1989 resulting in numerous casualties

Immediate impact of Tiananmen crackdown

• Many protesters killed, wounded, or arrested during the crackdown forced surviving protesters to flee or go into hiding to avoid persecution
  • Student leaders and other prominent figures arrested and imprisoned in the aftermath
• Atmosphere of fear and uncertainty gripped the broader Chinese population in the wake of the crackdown
  • Increased surveillance and control over population implemented to prevent future unrest
  • Economic reforms temporarily slowed as government prioritized stability over growth
• Intellectuals and reformers within the government purged or marginalized following the crackdown

International Reaction and Government Control of Information

International reaction to Tiananmen Square

• Widespread condemnation from many countries including the United States and European nations who strongly condemned Chinese government's actions
  • Crackdown seen as a violation of human rights and setback for democratic reforms
• Economic sanctions imposed on China by the United States and other countries
  • Restrictions placed on trade, investment, and technology transfers
  • Arms embargoes put in place by several nations
• Diplomatic relations between China and many Western countries deteriorated in the aftermath of the crackdown
  • High-level official visits and exchanges suspended or canceled
  • China faced increased international isolation and criticism in the following years

Control of Tiananmen narrative

• Government heavily censored domestic media coverage of the protests and crackdown
  • Official narrative portrayed protests as a counter-revolutionary rebellion that threatened national stability
  • Discussion of events suppressed and government has continued to censor information about Tiananmen Square
• Internationally, government sought to limit flow of information during and after protests
  • Foreign journalists restricted in their access and ability to report on events
  • Chinese diplomats and officials worked to counter international criticism and promote government's official version of events
• Government's efforts to control narrative have had lasting impact on public memory and discourse surrounding Tiananmen Square
  • Many younger Chinese citizens have limited knowledge of events due to ongoing censorship and suppression of information