Rare Footage Reveals General’s Defiance in Tiananmen Square Massacre

A recently surfaced video of General Xu Qinxian, who famously defied orders during the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests, offers a unique perspective on a critical moment in modern Chinese history. This footage provides an intimate look into the military’s inner workings during a time of immense public unrest and turmoil.

The Unfolding of Events

General Xu, heading the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) 38th Group Army stationed near Beijing, is well-known for his refusal to deploy troops against the thousands of student protesters in Tiananmen Square. This act of defiance has been a significant part of Tiananmen lore for decades.

A six-hour recording of General Xu’s court-martial hearing from the following year provides deeper insight into his motivations. During the hearing, Xu expressed his resistance, stating, “I did not want to become a sinner in history.”

Zhou Fengsuo, a prominent figure in the Tiananmen protests who now lives in exile in the United States, commented on the footage: “This confirms the legend about Xu Qinxian. It’s the first time we have a clear, first-person perspective of that period.”

The Origins of the Footage

The origins of this profound video remain unclear, but it gained attention online last month, quickly amassing over 1.2 million views on various platforms. Historian Wu Renhua, who participated in the protests, was among the first to share the video, although he has kept the source confidential.

Wu believes that this recording might be “the most important asset in my research over the past thirty years,” asserting its authenticity based on corroborative evidence from his other investigations.

The Tragic Outcomes of the Protests

The massive demonstrations in Beijing during the spring of 1989 culminated in a tragic massacre during the early hours of June 4, when PLA troops opened fire on civilians surrounding Tiananmen Square, resulting in countless casualties. The event remains one of the most sensitive and censored topics in the Chinese Communist Party’s history, with no official acknowledgment of the aftermath.

Rumors of dissent within the military circulated during the protests, with many soldiers displaying sympathy for the demonstrators. At the time of the protests, Xu was hospitalized for kidney stones but received orders on May 18 to deploy his 15,000 troops to enforce martial law in Beijing.

A Moral Dilemma

In the court-martial video, Xu articulated his hesitance: “I expressed my differing opinion, noting that this was a mass political incident that should primarily be resolved politically.” Despite conveying the order to his troops, he chose not to execute it, warning his superiors that imposing martial law could lead to someone becoming historically condemned.

Joseph Torigian, a historian and associate professor, noted that the video exemplifies the complex political landscape faced by senior military figures in China. Xu grappled with the implications of loyalty in a system ruled by the Communist Party. Concerned about potential bloodshed, he reflected that even if he erred, loyalty should be assessed through adherence to the party’s ideological and political directives.

Controversies Surrounding Martial Law

One critical aspect of Xu’s testimony was his questioning of whether the Central Military Commission had the authority to impose martial law, suggesting that such significant decisions should involve the National People’s Congress.

In the years following the massacre, the CCP has reinforced its control over the PLA, making it clear that military allegiance lies exclusively with the party. Loyalty remains a key concern for the CCP, and recent purges within military leadership by Xi Jinping highlight ongoing tensions regarding trust and power.

Xu faced severe consequences for his refusal, being expelled from the CCP and sentenced to five years in prison. He spent the remainder of his life exiled away from Beijing, passing away in 2021 at the age of 85.

Conclusion

The leaked footage not only sheds light on the historical events of Tiananmen Square but also offers a rare window into the moral conflicts faced by military leaders during a time of political upheaval. General Xu Qinxian’s legacy of defiance serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of loyalty and conscience within oppressive regimes.