Summary
Medal and bar stored in a case which was issued to Li Xiaoming (Thomas) by the Chinese Military Comittee between 20 May and August 1989. All serving soldiers received this medal in commemoration of their services during martial law after the Tiananmen Square Massacre on 4 June 1989. Thomas formally migrated to Australia in 2002.
Physical Description
Case covered with red silk. Red velvet mount within containing medal and bar.
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.
More Information
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Collecting Areas
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Original Owner
Mr Xiaoming Li, Beijing, People's Republic of China, 20 May 1989 - Aug 1989
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Classification
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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Keywords
Chinese Communities, Chinese Immigration, Asylum Seekers, Military History, Military Medals, Students, Student Movement, Protests, Soldiers, Immigration Policies, Immigration Selection, Education & Training
