Historical Events tagged with "china"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Politics & Government

China and Taiwan Sign Kinmen Agreement

September 12th, 1990 34 years ago

In Kinmen, representatives of the Red Cross organizations from mainland China and Taiwan reached a significant agreement addressing the repatriation of illegal immigrants and criminal suspects. Following two tragic incidents related to repatriation that occurred in the preceding months, the talks aimed to establish a more humane and efficient process for handling such cases. This agreement marks a pioneering effort by non-governmental organizations to resolve cross-strait issues, symbolizing a rare instance of cooperation.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Collision of Min Ping Yu No. 5202 with Naval Vessel

August 13th, 1990 34 years ago

A collision occurred involving the mainland Chinese fishing boat Min Ping Yu No. 5202 and a Taiwanese naval vessel during a repatriation operation for Chinese immigrants. The incident resulted in the sinking of the boat and the tragic deaths of 21 individuals aboard. This happened less than one month after a similar incident involving another fishing vessel, Min Ping Yu No. 5540, which raised serious safety and operational concerns in the contentious waters between Taiwan and mainland China.

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Crime & Law

Tragic Suffocation of Illegal Immigrants

July 21st, 1990 34 years ago

In an incident involving the military police of Taiwan, 25 illegal immigrants from mainland China died from suffocation while being repatriated on the fishing vessel Min Ping Yu No. 5540. The military police forced these individuals into sealed holds of the boat, aiming to transport them back to Fujian province. The lack of air and cramped conditions led to a tragic outcome during this enforcement operation.

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Politics & Government

Adoption of Hong Kong's Current Flag

April 4th, 1990 34 years ago

The current flag of Hong Kong was adopted during the Third Session of the Seventh National People's Congress. This decision was made in the context of preparing Hong Kong for its return to Chinese sovereignty in 1997. The flag features a stylized Bauhinia flower, symbolizing both the territory and its cultural heritage, and was designed to foster a sense of identity among Hong Kong's residents in the lead-up to the transition.

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Politics & Government

Jiang Zemin Becomes General Secretary

June 24th, 1989 35 years ago

Jiang Zemin succeeded Zhao Ziyang as the General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party following the political upheaval caused by the Tiananmen Square protests and the subsequent crackdown on dissent. This transition marked a significant shift in leadership amid the context of a repressive political climate in China. The selection of Jiang indicated the party's intent to stabilize and consolidate power after the turbulent events that had transpired only weeks earlier, positioning Jiang as a key figure in steering China through a period of economic reforms and political control.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Tank Man Stands Before Advancing Tanks

June 5th, 1989 35 years ago

A lone protester, known as 'Tank Man', halted a convoy of tanks in Beijing's Tiananmen Square. Standing defiantly in front of the lead tank, he raised a shopping bag and attempted to obstruct its path. This act of resistance lasted for over half an hour amidst a tense atmosphere as troops and civilians clashed during the protests for democracy and reform. His identity remains unknown, but images of his brave stance quickly captured global attention.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

People's Liberation Army Suppresses Protests

June 4th, 1989 35 years ago

In 1989, large-scale protests took place in Beijing's Tiananmen Square, primarily led by students advocating for political reform and democratic freedoms. The demonstrations gathered significant national and international interest, attracting thousands of participants who camped in the square for weeks. However, the Chinese government deemed the movement a threat to its authority. On June 4, armed forces were deployed to forcibly clear the area, resulting in a violent crackdown with varying estimates of casualties ranging from hundreds to thousands.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Unveiling of the Goddess of Democracy Statue

May 30th, 1989 35 years ago

Student demonstrators in Tiananmen Square unveiled a 10-meter tall statue called the Goddess of Democracy. Crafted from papier-mâché and other materials, it symbolized the students' demand for democracy and freedom. The statue drew crowds of supporters and became a rallying point for the movement, signifying the ideals of political reform and citizens' rights during the protests that were taking place at the time.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Martial Law Declared Amid Pro-Democracy Protests

May 20th, 1989 35 years ago

In response to escalating pro-democracy demonstrations, the Chinese government declared martial law across Beijing, marking a significant turning point in the Tiananmen Square protests. These demonstrations began in April 1989, led by students advocating for political reform, freedom of speech, and an end to corruption. As thousands gathered in Tiananmen Square, the government's announcement intensified tensions. The imposition of martial law indicated a readiness to suppress dissent, setting the stage for a violent crackdown that would follow in the coming weeks as both sides prepared for confrontation.

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