What role did the army play in the Tiananmen Square protests?

The army's role during the Tiananmen Square protests was one of suppression, as they were ordered to forcibly clear the square. In June 1989, as the protests escalated, the Chinese government declared martial law and mobilized the People's Liberation Army (PLA) to enforce this decree. The army's deployment was marked by violent confrontations with protestors, resulting in numerous casualties and a significant crackdown on dissent.

The decision to use force reflected the government's prioritization of order and stability over the demonstrators' calls for political reform and freedom of expression. This action underscored the authoritarian nature of China's political system and the lengths to which the government would go to maintain control. The violent suppression of the protests ultimately had long-lasting effects on Chinese society and the government's approach to dissent.