In May and June of 1989, students in Beijing, China staged a pro-democracy demonstration in Tiananmen Square, Beijing. The Chine
se government's response shocked the world when cameras saw tanks roll into the square and fire into the crowds. Over the course of several days, hundreds were killed, injured, or arrested. The outcry here in the United States was profound. The nation, and Congress, called for a swift and strong response from the President. President Bush, however, measured his response against the United States' long-term interest in US-Sino relations, imposing sanctions, but also using diplomacy and patience to demonstrate strength and support of pro-democracy movements while not alienating the Chinese government. Read this unclassified memo outlining the themes President Bush put forward when he sent his National Security Advisor and Deputy Secretary of State on a secret meeting with Chinese officials to assess the situation and keep lines of communication open.
What were the key points Bush wanted communicated to China? How did Bush characterize the United States' position in a way that did not alienate China?
Bush wanted china to change, and to allow democracy. However, he didn't want to "alienate" them. This meant that when he wanted to change, he helped them through the struggle to get to the finish line (democracy). If he left China on its own and restricted them, China may not have became a democratic country as it is now.
Answers will vary, but should focus on the fact that Bush considered the US-China relationship vital to each country's economy and to international peace. Bush communicated a tone of cautious friendship, but indicated that while the United States would respect China's handling of internal affairs, the Chinese government had to understand the internal affairs of the United States, which included support for democracy world-wide and an expectation of its president to act on it. Bush warned China, without threatening, that its response to its internal crisis would have implications for its external relations with the United States
