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Today in History: Tank Man stops Chinese tanks, then is dragged

6/5/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On June 5 1989, a lone, unidentified man—later called “Tank Man”—stood before a column of Type 59 tanks on Chang’an Avenue near Tiananmen Square, halting their advance after the Chinese military had violently cleared weeks-long pro-democracy protests that left hundreds dead and was soon dragged aside.

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Story summary

On June 5 1989, a lone, unidentified man—later called “Tank Man”—stood before a column of Type 59 tanks on Chang’an Avenue near Tiananmen Square, halting their advance after the Chinese military had violently cleared weeks-long pro-democracy protests that left hundreds dead and was soon dragged aside.