Tiananmen Square 1989: Causes, Events, and Hong Kong’s Memory

In the 1980s, China’s economic reforms drove growth, but political rigidity, corruption, social inequality, and restricted speech sparked widespread discontent. On 15 April 1989, the death of Hu Yaobang, former General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party, revered for supporting political reform, triggered nationwide mourning. In Beijing’s Tiananmen Square, students and citizens gathered to honour Hu, demanding anti-corruption measures, democratic reforms, and press freedom. Hong Kong residents, closely following events, felt a shared resonance and began taking to the streets in solidarity.

Course of Events

1. Initial Protests (April 1989)
   In mid-April, Beijing students established a memorial for Hu Yaobang in Tiananmen Square, submitting petitions for his re-evaluation and broader reforms. The protests expanded, attracting students and citizens nationwide. In Hong Kong, residents followed developments via television and newspapers, organising rallies in support, with tens of thousands gathering in Victoria Park and other locations by late April.
2. Escalation (May)
   By May, Beijing’s protests intensified, with students issuing demands for press freedom and anti-corruption measures. On 13 May, a hunger strike began in the square, drawing national attention. In Hong Kong, over a million residents joined events like “Concert for Democracy in China” on 20 May, raising funds for Beijing students. Marches from Causeway Bay to Central underscored Hong Kong’s fervent support for democracy.
3. Government Response and Standoff
   The Chinese Communist Party was divided, with reformist Zhao Ziyang favouring dialogue but ousted by hardliners. On 20 May, Beijing declared martial law, deploying troops, though citizens initially blocked their advance. Hong Kong’s media and public closely monitored the crisis, with student unions and citizens holding rallies urging a peaceful resolution.
4. Clearance Operation (3–4 June)
   On the night of 3 June, the government launched a military crackdown, using tanks and live ammunition to clear Tiananmen Square. By 4 June, the square was emptied, with violent clashes across Beijing causing numerous casualties, estimated from hundreds to thousands. News reached Hong Kong, sparking shock and grief. On 4 June, hundreds of thousands marched, with Victoria Park becoming a focal point for candlelit mourning.

Outcomes and Hong Kong’s Memory

1. Short-Term Consequences
   • Casualties and Repression: The crackdown resulted in significant loss of life, with thousands arrested and some exiled. Mainland China entered a period of political suppression, silencing discussion of the event.
   • Hong Kong’s Response: The incident shattered trust in the Communist Party, heightening fears about Hong Kong’s 1997 handover. The Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China (the Alliance) was formed, vowing to “vindicate June Fourth and hold perpetrators accountable.”
   • International Impact: Western sanctions followed, and Hong Kong, as a global hub, became a key platform for overseas Chinese to share the truth.
2. Hong Kong’s Long-Term Commemoration
   • Victoria Park Candlelight Vigils: Since 1990, the Alliance has held annual candlelight vigils on 4 June in Victoria Park, drawing tens of thousands to light candles, sing Flowers of Freedom, and read victims’ names, becoming a global symbol of remembrance. Though restricted in recent years due to political changes, Hong Kong residents continue private acts of mourning, such as lighting candles in streets or sharing stories.
   • Cultural and Educational Efforts: Hong Kong’s bookstores, schools, and media once openly discussed the event, publishing works like The People Will Not Forget. The June Fourth Museum, established by the Alliance, displayed artefacts and testimonies, educating younger generations until its closure in 2021.
   • Hong Kong Spirit: The incident shaped Hong Kong’s civic identity, with many embracing democracy and freedom as core values. The vigil’s slogan, “Never Forget June Fourth, Uphold Justice,” resonates deeply, influencing later social movements.
3. Historical Significance and Challenges
   The Tiananmen Square incident is a wound in Chinese history and a lasting memory for Hong Kong. While censored in mainland China, Hong Kong has preserved the truth for over three decades through vigils, marches, and museums, serving as a global beacon for commemoration. Recent political shifts have restricted public mourning, yet Hong Kong residents persist with subtle methods, such as literature and art, embodying “never forget, never dare to forget.”

Conclusion

The Tiananmen Square incident is not only Beijing’s tragedy but a shared history for Hong Kong. From the million-strong marches of 1989 to the candlelit nights in Victoria Park, Hong Kong residents have shown that memory is resistance, and truth endures. As part of HKCitizen.net, let us continue sharing this history, keeping the candlelight burning to honour the fallen and inspire the future.