Obedience, Ambiguity, and Punishment: The Chinese Military at Tiananmen Revisited

A newly leaked video from the trial of Chinese General Xu Qinxian offers new insights into the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown. The recording details the case against Xu, who was removed from command for wavering when ordered to enforce martial law against protestors. The analysis explores the ambiguities surrounding his actions, such as whether he questioned the legality of the order or the party's authority over the military. This historical event reveals the complex political calculus within the People's Liberation Army and underscores the Chinese Communist Party's enduring fear of military hesitation, a concern that continues under Xi Jinping.