The 1989 Protests – A Timeline of the Student Movement

The 1989 Protests: A Timeline of the Student Movement

On November 16, 1989, a series of protests started by students in Beijing and Tiananmen Square unfolded against political corruption and dictatorship. These events marked one of history’s most significant moments when the Chinese people stood up for their rights to democracy.

“Democracy is not merely a form, but an act.” – Vaclav Havel

• November 16-30: Mass student demonstrations in Tiananmen Square

  The initial protest began with students demanding that the government resign and return to democracy, which quickly evolved into a pro-democracy movement aimed at establishing multi-party elections.

• “Human rights are not granted by governments; they must be taken.” – Liu Xiaobo

  The students expressed their demands for political freedom and economic reform, which included transparency in the government’s workings.

Mid-November Protests: Broadening Ideals

• “We seek freedom, not violence.” – The Student Union of Beijing University (SUI)

  On November 17 and again on December 3rd, the SUI called for a general strike as part of their commitment to peaceful protests. Over half-a-million students across China participated in this nationwide call.

• “We must make our voices heard.” – Li Wenhua

  Li, a prominent student leader and the vice president of Counterpart International, emphasized that non-violent protests were essential to achieve their goals.

• “Our struggle is for freedom.” – Hu Qianming

  The quote represents many student leaders across the country during this period who sought democracy and fundamental freedoms.

December Protests: Growing Discontent & Suppression

• “We will not sit idly by and watch injustice.” – Zhao Jiaoti, leader of the Tiananmen Mothers Association

  Zhao represented students who demanded that their voices be heard. Her family’s experience inspired many others to join.

• “We will stand up and fight for our rights.” – Chen Qifa, a student leader from Shandong Province

  On December 5th, the government responded with forceful suppression as police opened fire on demonstrators.

• “The time to act is now!” – Wang Dan and Zhou Guoxia

  These two student leaders played a significant role in organizing large-scale protests, calling for unity among the students across China.

Tiananmen Square on May 15: Tragic Turning Point

“The Chinese government has failed in its duty to listen.” – Sun Chengyang, a student activist

Sun shared his reflections after the violent suppression of protests on May 15 when students erected a large poster calling for “Tear down this wall!”

• “Democracy means that people’s opinions should be heard.” – Chen Qifa

  A demonstration on May 19th by students to demand freedom of speech and other democratic rights reached a critical point. They formed an iconic symbol, the “Goddess of Democracy” mural.

• “This is our final attempt.” – Wang Dan

  Wang was arrested on May 23rd after he organized this massive demonstration that brought together hundreds of thousands of students demanding freedom and democratic reforms. His arrest marked the end of widespread protests.

• “We will not be silenced!” – A voice from Tiananmen Square on June 3rd

  Despite government crackdown, students continued to resist until their voices were suppressed violently by the military. The Chinese regime’s suppression of student protesters remains one of history’s most notorious.

Post-Protests: Aftermath and Legacy

The events in Tiananmen Square are a dark chapter that resulted in the death of hundreds, mostly young students. The impact continues to be felt today.

• “Never forget what we fought for.” – Zhao Jiaoti

  The ongoing demand for democracy and transparency remains evident in China’s political activism, despite the government’s crackdown.