Eruption Of Protest In China

Last summer world attention was focussed on the Chine~ capital, Beijing, where a vast demonstration protested against the ruling Communist Government's corruption and nepotism, an clamoured for democratic freedoms and reforms.

The demonstration was centred on the famous Tiananmen Square in front of the Great Hall of the People. Beginning as a protest by students, many of them on hunger strike, it escalated to include workers, trade unionists, academics and professionals. A million or more marchers streamed through Tiananmen Square in support of the students. Despite the massive numbers involved the demonstration was peacefully organized. When police or soldiers were sent to attempt to clear the square they met with only passive resistance, plus earnest persuasion to support the popular cause.

During this phase of the protests a long-scheduled event of great political significance took place in Beijing - the official visit of Mikhail Gorbachev to formalize the end of thirty years' estrangement between the world's two greatest communist powers. His programme was carried through, but some of his meetings with the Chinese leader, Deng Zioaping, had to be held

at venues other than planned because of the protesters' occupation of Tiananmen Square.

We reflect on the dilemma of these two great nations, both officially atheistic, having thrust God from their thinking and arrogating themselves the right to determine their own destiny by means of human statecraft, technology and effort. From the Book of Job we recall the words:

Can the rush grow up without mire? Can the flag grow without water? Whilst it is yet in its greenness, and not cut down, it withereth before any other herb. So are the paths of all that forget God; and the hope of the godless shall perish: whose confidence shall break in sunder, and whose trust is in a spider's web (Job 8:11-14).

There is widespread feeling that China's leaders do not understand how

to solve the nation's problems. Add to this the corruption which pervades official circles and it will be seen why hundreds of thousands so readily joined in protest with the students at Beijing. Indeed as the movement gained momentum there were similar protests in Shanghai and other large cities.

Russia also struggles with huge economic problems, resulting in shortage of consumer goods and popular discontent. Hence Gorbachev's motive for friendly relations with China, so reducing military demands on Russia's eastern borders.

The world stood aghast when finally the Chinese government ordered a military suppression of the student protest. The ruthlessness of the army's attack on unarmed civilians drew protests from many countries and sanctions from some, but with little effect. The clearance of Tiananmen Square was followed by arrests, executions and imprisonments. Many students went into hiding; a few escaped abroad.

Such savage contempt for human suffering, such readiness to oppress, underline once again the corrupting effect of power when ungoverned by principles of righteousness and mercy. Prophecies looking forward to the millennial reign of the Lord Jesus seem to highlight the righteousness and consideration of His rule:

He shall have pity on the poor and needy, and the souls of the needy He shall save.

He shall redeem their soul from oppression and violence; and precious shall their blood be in His sight (Ps. 72:13,14).

Blessed contrast to the crushing of human flesh beneath the tracks of army tanks in blood-drenched Tiananmen Square.

As we pray for divine mercy towards thousands so sadly affected by these events in China there's an echo in our hearts of the hymn-writer's longings:

We wait for His coming, we long for that day,

Bright star of the morning, Thou wilt not delay:

Let the purchased possession be gathered to Thee,

Let the groaning creation from sorrow be free.

unknown | Oct 1989
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