What was the response of the Chinese government to pro-democracy demonstrations, largely by students, in Tiananmen Square, Beijing in June 1989?

A) Chinese leaders instituted reforms that would transform China into a parliamentary democracy by 1998.
B) A dialogue was opened between government officials and leaders of the pro-democracy movement.
C) The army cordoned off Tiananmen Square and, by denying the demonstrators food and water, starved them into submission.
D) The army stormed the square and massacred hundreds of demonstrators.

Tiananmen Square

The site of a pro-democracy protest in Beijing, China, in 1989, which was violently suppressed by the Chinese military, leading to significant casualties and international condemnation.

Pro-democracy Demonstrations

Public protests or gatherings advocating for democratic reforms, greater political freedoms, or the establishment of a more democratic governmental system.

Parliamentary Democracy

A democratic form of government in which the executive branch derives its legitimacy from and is accountable to the legislature (parliament), with the head of government typically being a member of the majority party.