Tiananmen Square Protests (1989)

The Tiananmen Square Protests of 1989 were a widespread movement in Beijing where thousands of students, intellectuals, and citizens gathered to demand political reform, greater freedom, and anti-corruption measures. The protests, which began after the death of a reform-minded leader, grew rapidly, symbolizing broader dissatisfaction with the Chinese government. On June 4, 1989, the government declared martial law and used military force, including troops and tanks, to suppress the demonstration, resulting in numerous casualties. The event remains a sensitive and heavily censored topic in China, highlighting tensions between calls for change and government authority.