From reform hopes to brutal crackdown - China's Tiananmen protests

Thursday marks the 37th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square crackdown, a brutal suppression of pro-democracy demonstrations in Beijing. On June 4, 1989, Chinese troops opened fire on their own citizens who had gathered in and around the capital's central square, ending weeks of protests.

The demonstrations, which began in April 1989, were initially fueled by the death of reformist Communist Party leader Hu Yaobang. Students and workers occupied Tiananmen Square, calling for political reforms, an end to corruption, and greater freedoms. The protests grew, drawing hundreds of thousands of participants and gaining international attention.

However, the government declared martial law and ultimately deployed the military to clear the square and surrounding areas. The exact death toll remains unknown, with estimates ranging from hundreds to thousands. The Chinese government has since sought to erase the event from public memory, censoring discussions and information about the crackdown. The anniversary is observed annually by activists and diaspora communities outside of mainland China.