This archive report was first published on 29 July 2019.
On July 20, 1989, Li Peng, the former Chinese premier, made a fateful decision that would leave an indelible mark on the nation's history. Thirty years later, China is still grappling with the aftermath of the Tiananmen Square crackdown, a brutal suppression of pro-democracy demonstrations that left hundreds dead.
Li Peng, who passed away at the age of 90 last week, was widely reviled by activists as the 'Butcher of Beijing' for his role in the military's brutal suppression of the protests on June 4, 1989.
However, in a stark contrast, state media eulogized him as a 'tested and loyal communist soldier' who 'took decisive measures to stop the turmoil' 30 years ago.
As the nation mourns Li Peng's death, the Chinese flag flies at half-mast at the Tiananmen Square, a poignant reminder of the complex legacy of the former premier. The flag will also be flown at half-mast at other government buildings, airports, and Chinese embassies.
Li Peng held the premiership for 11 years until 1998 and was chairman of China's rubber-stamp parliament until 2003. Though the decision to send in the troops was a collective one under paramount leader Deng Xiaoping, Li was widely held responsible for the bloody crackdown.
