"Some would argue that by rejecting the public request for a more liberal system, China lost the opportunity to democratize itself." ~Dr. Tao Wang, Assistant Professor in Modern Chinese History, Iowa State University
Short-Term Impact
As a result of the crackdown in Tiananmen Square, other countries put sanctions on China. Also Chinese officials arrested some of their own Party members who supported the student protest. In addition, a list of the 21 most wanted student leaders and protesters was published and many were arrested. The Chinese government tried to cover up what had happened and still are trying to cover it up.
"The Tiananmen students 21 most wanted list, issued on June 13th, 1989." ("China's 21")
"In the weeks following June 4, activists who were directly or indirectly involved in the pro-democracy demonstrations were arrested." ("Tiananmen Square")
"China suffered diplomatic isolation after sanctions were imposed by most major countries; China's suppression of the protests demonstrated to the world the authoritarian nature of the Communist regime."~Dr. Tao Wang, Assistant Professor in Modern Chinese History, Iowa State University