20 Years...

On this day 20 years ago was Tiananmen Square protests as well as the Tiananmen Square massacre (also known as the June 4th Incident). it was a series of demonstrations in and near the Tiananmen Square, Beijing China that begun on 14th April. it was led mostly by students and intellectuals in the year that many of the communist governments in the world collapsed. it was sparked by the death of Hu Yaobang, who was a pro-market, pro-democracy and anti-corruption official. the movement lasted for 7 weeks ending in a tragic blood bath leaving countless wounded and dead.

with the protest escalating in huge numbers the People's Liberation Army was called in to take control over the city. at 10.30pm 3 june, the assault begun with armored personnel carriers (APCS) and armed trooped approaching the Square in various directions. APCs rolled on up the roads, firing ahead and off to the sides, perhaps killing or wounding their own soldiers in process. Students wh sought refuge insides buses where pulled out and beaten with heavy sticks. even demonstrators attempting to leave were beset by soldiers and beaten. however the demonstrators were told not to use weapons against the oncoming solders and made a barricade ahead of the APCs while shouting 'why are you killing us?' Tragically, tanks were ordered in clear the Square, crushing vehicles as well as people and by dawn it was cleared.

the aftermath had a negative effect for China affecting its economy, the domestic political trend, its reputation in the 'West'. Arrests were also made across the country to suppress protestors and their supporters. and high-ranking members from the Party who publicly sympathised with the demonstrators were placed under house arrest. widespread censorship was also an issue after the incident in an attempt to 'erase it out of history' such topic in mainland China is considered forbidden.

so after 20 years, issues still remains and every year there are still marches, demonstrations etc across the country most notably in hong kong. many innocent lives were loss from what could have been prevented. with deep sorrow and grief for myself and many, please take a minute or so to think about how dedicate life can be. cherish what we've got and not complain of what we don't have, because you will never know what will happen tomorrow.

for all those who loss their lives during the June 4th Incident, Rest In Peace.