Summary

Book containing sleeves for inserting photographs and blank note paper issued to Li Xiaoming (Thomas) by the Chinese Military Committee between May and August 1989. All serving soldiers received this book in commemoration of their services during martial law after the Tiananmen Square Massacre on 4th June 1989. Thomas formally migrated to Australia in 2002. The book also contains printed pages featuring coloured plates of promotional images of Tiananmen Square, members of the Chinese Military Committee and parading soldiers.

Physical Description

Hard cover book, red cover with gold embossed scriptand outline of commemorative medal on front cover.

Significance

Statement of Historical Significance:
This collection provides a unique opportunity to document the events of the Tiananmen Square Massacre which occurred in Beijing on 4 June, 1989, through the eyes of a former soldier who was present at that time.This event resulted in over 40,000 Chinese students in Australia at the time being granted permanent residency visas by the Australian Government. This story also demonstrates the unwillingnes of some soldiers to participate in the events that occurred, and the resulting migration of a former soldier as a result of speaking out about the events - a risky act of subversion in the eyes of the Chinese Government.

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