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May 26, 1989

Telegram from the Romanian Embassy in Beijing to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

26 May 1989, 07:00 am


Deputy Foreign Minister, Cde. Olimpia Solomonescu,

Within diplomatic circles [in Beijing], the idea is taking hold that, at this time, a struggle [for power] between two factions is taking place within the Chinese leadership. [These] factions [propose] different avenues by which to resolve the present situation and what the attitude should be adopted in vis-a-vis with the demands of the student [movement].
The absence of General Secretary Zhao Ziyang from political life added to the speculation [among diplomatic circles] regarding his attitude—reserved or even opposed—concerning the actions undertaken [towards the students] until now.
Furthermore, from discussions with other diplomats, we [would like to] recall their position that the Chinese leadership must do something to bring the current situation to its conclusion. Foreign business circles and other governments are insisting that their representatives in Beijing send information relative to the position of the [Chinese] government, and [their] intentions for the future.


Foreign political observers are suggesting that the position of expectation adopted towards the students and the [policy of] delegating the resolution of some collateral problems (medical, administrative, etc.) to territorial and municipal governments, is not a favorable move towards the future evolution of the situation. Nor [is it favorable] for the "defusing" (dezamorsa) possible future explosions related to the persistence of [some] elements of instability that are fundamentally connected to the demands made by the students.

(ss) [Ambassador] Angelo Miculescu

Telegram from the Romanian Embassy in Beijing to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the possible power struggle within the Chinese government and attitudes towards the demands of the students

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Document Information

Source

AMAE, Telegrame, folder Beijing/1989, vol. 3, p. 43. Translated for CWIHP by Mircea Munteanu

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2011-11-20

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