Demonstrations in China - Department of State statements, George Bush addresses - transcript

US Department of State Bulletin, August, 1989

DEPARTMENT STATEMENT, MAY 18, 19891

The Department of State advises Americans traveling to China to use caution and avoid areas where demonstrations are occurring. There is no indication of any antiforeign feeling among the demonstrators. Nonetheless caution, good sense, and discretion are called for to ensure Americans are not caught up in a demonstration. This alert does not advise against traveling to China; only that caution should be exercised.

WHITE HOUSE STATEMENT, MAY 20, 19892 President Bush this morning received his daily intelligence briefing, including an update on the status of events in China. The situation remains uncertain. Both sides have exercised restraint, and we urge that restraint to continue. The United States stands for freedom of speech and freedom of assembly, and President Bush commented yesterday on the inexorable march of democracy in China. The demonstrations of the last few days indicate that the hunger for change remains strong. We remain hopeful that a dialogue between the government and the students is possible.

WHITE HOUSE STATEMENT, MAY 23, 19892

The President today met with Wan Li, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Following the plenary meeting, Wan Li visited the residence to greet Mrs. Bush.

The Chinese leader briefed the President on the outcome of the recent Sino-Soviet summit and on the student demonstrations in China. "We are strongly committed to democracy around the world," the President said. "It is the underpinning of our being as a nation. I urge nonviolence and restraint in your present situation. I urge that Voice of America not be jammed and that reporters be given open access."

The President told Chairman Wan that he remains personally committed to expanding the normal and constructive relations the United States enjoys with China. The world has a stake in China's economic progress, national security, and political vitality. The United States hopes to see the continuing implementation of economic and political reforms, which undoubtedly will also help advance these goals.

PRESIDENTS STATEMENT, JUNE 3, 19893

It is clear that the Chinese Government has chosen to use force against Chinese citizens who were making a peaceful statement in favor of democracy. I deeply deplore the decision to use force against peaceful demonstrators and the consequent los 3 of life. We have been urging, and continue to urge, nonviolence, restraint, and dialogue. Tragically another course has been chosen. Again I urge a return to nonviolent means for dealing with the current situation.

The UnitEd States and People's Republic of China, over the past two decades, have built up, through great efforts by both sides, a constructive relationship beneficial to both countries. I hope that China will rapidly return to the path of political and economic reforms and conditions of stability so that this relationship, so important to both our peoples, can continue its growth.

DEPARTMENT STATEMENT, JUNE 5, 19894

The situation in Beijing and other cities remains chaotic. There are reports of indiscriminate firing on civilians and burning of military vehicles in several sectors. The situation in Shanghai is tense, with many roads blocked and large groups of students and workers gathered in the business district.

To ensure the safety of American students in Beijing, the embassy is requesting they leave their campuses and go to hotels in central Beijing. The embassy is attempting to facilitate the movement of students with embassy vehicles.

Today we are issuing another travel advisory urging Americans not to travel to China in view of the extremely volatile and dangerous situation. The embassy in Beijing has advised Americans in the city not to venture outdoors unless absolutely necessary.

We have had an open line for the last 72 hours from our Embassy in Beijing to the State Department's 24-hour task force that is set up here in the Operations Center. In addition our Embassy in Beijing has activated its warden system whereby it keeps in touch with all Americans to make sure they are safe and to help if necessary.

DEPARTMENT STATEMENT, JUNE 6, 19894

The situation in China remains tense and unsettled. The Secretary of State, after consulting with our Ambassador in Beijing, last night decided to encourage American citizens in the Beijing area to depart China. The embassy is making an effort to contact American citizens in Beijing to give them this advice and assist in their departure.

In addition the Secretary of State has authorized the ambassador to permit voluntary departure by those U.S. Government dependents who wish to leave China. There is no drawdown of embassy officers. The embassy and our four consulate offices continue to operate fully.

The embassy's figures as of January of this year show 270 American students in Beijing, 360 in all of China; 1,400 American non-U.S. Government residents in Beijing, 8,800 in all China. There are 424 embassy and consulate personnel and dependents in China. Normally-and we don't have a better figure for you-there are roughly about 4,000 tourists in China at any given