Story perspectives

General Xu Qinxian's Courage: Defying Tiananmen Orders Revealed

12/17/2025

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Summary

Story summary

In 1989, General Xu Qinxian defied orders to suppress pro-democracy protests in Beijing and refused to lead troops at Tiananmen Square.
A leaked court-martial video shows Xu's motivations rooted in personal conscience and professional judgment.
The protests' military actions left hundreds, possibly thousands, of unarmed civilians dead.
Xu, once a commander of a prestigious unit, faced charges for disobeying martial law as trial footage shows his defense.

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Story summary

In 1989, General Xu Qinxian defied orders to suppress pro-democracy protests in Beijing and refused to lead troops at Tiananmen Square.
A leaked court-martial video shows Xu's motivations rooted in personal conscience and professional judgment.
The protests' military actions left hundreds, possibly thousands, of unarmed civilians dead.
Xu, once a commander of a prestigious unit, faced charges for disobeying martial law as trial footage shows his defense.