On the morning of June 4, 1989, Li Rui, a seasoned member of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), stood on the balcony of his home overlooking Chang’an Boulevard in the heart of Beijing. From his vantage point, he witnessed tanks advancing towards Tiananmen Square.
A massive gathering of peaceful protesters had been occupying the square for weeks, demanding political change. However, their hopes were shattered as troops unleashed a brutal crackdown, resulting in the tragic deaths of thousands of civilians. Li described the horrific scene in his diary, labeling it a “black weekend” of indiscriminate violence.
Li’s meticulous diaries, spanning from 1938 to 2018, provide a rare firsthand account of a pivotal moment in Chinese history that the government has tried to suppress. These invaluable records are now at the center of a contentious legal battle set to commence soon.
View image in fullscreenLi Rui, a prominent figure in Chinese politics, captured in a moment of reflection. Photograph: Goh Chai Hin/AFP/Getty Images
Having navigated the turbulent waters of CCP politics, Li’s journey from loyalist to vocal critic is a testament to his unwavering commitment to truth. Despite facing persecution during the Cultural Revolution, he emerged as a prominent voice for reform within the party, witnessing firsthand the erosion of dissent under Xi Jinping’s rule.
The significance of Li’s diaries cannot be overstated, serving as a vital historical archive shedding light on China’s complex political landscape. As a legal battle unfolds in a California court, the fate of these invaluable documents hangs in the balance, adding a layer of complexity to Li’s enduring legacy.
View image in fullscreenPages from Li’s meticulously maintained diaries offer a glimpse into China’s past. Photograph: Hoover Institution
In the years leading up to his passing, Li’s daughter painstakingly preserved and organized his papers, eventually entrusting them to the Hoover Institution. This act, in accordance with Li’s wishes, underscores the importance of preserving his legacy for future generations to uncover and learn from.
2024-08-17 23:00:17
Post from www.theguardian.com