Friday, May 10, 2019

June Fourth 30th Anniversary (“六四”三十周年)

On May 11 & 12, 1989:

  • May 11: Zhao Ziyang advocates acceding to demands: Zhao suggests in a Politburo meeting that the Party accede to students’ demands on corruption and that press freedom be expanded.
  • May 12: Hunger strike debates: In the evening, at Peking University, Chai Ling joins the efforts of students Wang Dan, Wu’er Kaixi, and six others to advocate a hunger strike as a strategy to force the government to listen to the students’ pleas. Students at Peking University in favor of a hunger strike rapidly increase in number from 40 to over 200.
See HRIC chronology and resources.

30 years ago: Journalists call for freedom of press
China Digital Times, May 10, 2019

Xi Jinping demands political loyalty from Chinese police with Tiananmen anniversary and trade tension
South China Morning Post, May 10, 2019

Related:
Xi Jinping tells Chinese police they must maintain social stability ahead of politically sensitive Tiananmen anniversary
South China Morning Post, May 10, 2019

Inside China’s massive surveillance operation
Wired, May 9, 2019

Tiananmen Square: China steps up curbs on activists for 30th anniversary
The Guardian, May 9, 2019