Then Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev's visit to China is usually considered as the turning point in the history of the events at Tiananmen Square. The Soviet leader as proponent of perestroika (or restructuring of the State) was a role model for the students; further the Sino-Soviet friendship was important to the leadership in Beijing.

The details of the visit were discussed at the highest level of the party. The transcript of a discussion held on May 11 between Deng and his 'assistant' Yang Shangkun (then the Chinese president) put Gorbachev's trip in perspective.

Deng Xiaoping: 'When Gorbachev's here, we have to have order at Tiananmen. Our international image depends on it. What do we look like if the Square's is a mess?'

Yang Shangkun: 'Tiananmen is our national face. Especially when Gorbachev's here, we just can't let it turn into a stinking mess. I'll make sure that they (the top leadership) are clear on this.'

To save face has always been crucial for China. This explains Beijing's anger after the recent unrest in Tibet and the subsequent large media coverage of the riots. Beijing would lose face before the Olympics.

On May 13, 1989, two days before Gorbachev's arrival, the students started a hunger strike. Deng made it clear to his protege Zhao Ziyang that this should be stopped; the welcoming function for the Soviet leader on the Square was to be held in a dignified manner.

Unfortunately, Zhao was not able to fulfill the Old Emperor's wish; Gorbachev's visit to the Square had to be cancelled.

Image: Mikhail Gorbachev with Deng Xiaoping on May 16, 1989 at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, a meeting ending 30 years of estrangement between the two neighbours. It was an historic moment, but totally overshadowed by the events in Tiananmen Square, with up to half a million students demonstrating for democracy. Photograph: Catherine Henriette/AFP/Getty Images

Also see: In Tibet, China dishonours Olympic spirit

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