In the spring of 1989, China was gripped by student-led demonstrations centred on Beijing's Tiananmen Square. Calling for political reform, greater freedoms, and criticising government corruption, the movement rapidly drew support from people across the country, becoming the largest wave of protest seen in Communist China. On 3–4 June 1989, Chinese troops and tanks moved in to clear Tiananmen Square, opening fire on protesters and civilians. Featuring pictures filmed secretly as security forces remained on the streets of Beijing, the following footage captures the aftermath of the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre.
Frontline by ITN 2026.06.03
In the spring of 1989, thousands of university students gathered in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square to demand political and economic reforms, rallying against corruption, censorship, and restrictions on basic rights. Their peaceful movement quickly grew, drawing support from millions across China and sparking the largest pro-democracy demonstrations in the country’s history. After weeks of failed negotiations, the Chinese government declared martial law. On 3 and 4 June 1989, troops and tanks forcibly cleared the square, opening fire on protesters and bystanders without warning. The violent suppression resulted in hundreds, possibly thousands, of deaths, and marked a pivotal moment in modern Chinese history. Featuring newly digitised and previously unseen footage of the military crackdown, presented here is a compilation of ITN material covering the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests and the massacre that followed.Due to the Chinese government's ongoing suppression of information related to the events of 3–4 June 1989, estimates for the number of people killed in the Tiananmen Square massacre vary widely. The Chinese government’s official count, including civilians and security personnel, is 200–300 deaths. Shortly after the crackdown, the Chinese Red Cross estimated 2,600–2,700 people had been killed, but later denied reporting this figure. Among the highest estimates is that reported on 5 June 1989 by Britain’s Ambassador to China, Sir Alan Donald. Citing a source close to a member of China’s State Council, Sir Alan placed the figure at around 10,000 civilians killed.
Frontline by ITN 2025.06.05 |
