On 20 May 1989, Chinese Premier Li Peng declared martial law over eight districts of Beijing (Eastern, Western, Chongmen, Xuanwu, Shijingshan, Haidian, Fengtai and Chaoyang), restricting freedom of speech, association and peaceful assembly. Li also declared a television news blackout (Simme & Nixon 1989, 134; Los Angeles Times 20 May 1989). Beijing municipal authorities imposed strict limits on the activities of foreign journalists, barring them from entering "government organizations, committees, schools, factories, mines, enterprises or the streets to report, photograph or take videos" in these areas. The rules, enforced by security forces under "special powers," prohibited strikes, demonstrations, speeches or the passing of false information (Reuters 20 May 1989). On 24 May 1989, some restrictions were lifted, including a ban on live coverage from Beijing for foreign television. Even the Chinese press resumed limited coverage of the developments after four days of restrictions (Chicago Tribune 24 May 1989). Martial law was lifted in January 1990. However, according to Asia Watch, new restrictions have been imposed upon foreign journalists: stringent censorship regulations, banning of "anti-socialist writings" and "obscene literature" and a nationwide purge of publishing houses (Asia Watch Feb. 1990). For further details, please refer to the attached documents.
Bibliography

Simmie, S. & Nixon, B. 1989. Tiananmen Square. Toronto: Douglass & McIntyre.

Los Angeles Times. 20 May 1989. Associated Press. "U.S. Urges Chinese Restraint in Handling of Demonstrations."

Reuters. 20 May 1989. "China Imposes Martial Law in Peking, Bans Protests."

Chicago Tribune. 24 May 1989. Uli Schmetzer. "China's Martial Law Cracking Politburo Moderates Gaining China."

Asia Watch. February 1990. Punishment Season: Human Rights in China After Martial Law. New York: Asia Watch Committee.
Attachments

Simmie, S. & Nixon, B. 1989. Tiananmen Square. Toronto: Douglass & McIntyre.

Los Angeles Times. 20 May 1989. Associated Press. "U.S. Urges Chinese Restraint in Handling of Demonstrations."

Reuters. 20 May 1989. "China Imposes Martial Law in Peking, Bans Protests."

Chicago Tribune. 24 May 1989. Uli Schmetzer. "China's Martial Law Cracking Politburo Moderates Gaining China."

Asia Watch. February 1990. Punishment Season: Human Rights in China After Martial Law. New York: Asia Watch Committee.

Los Angeles Times. 20 May 1989. David Holley. "Chinese Crowds Block Troops; Army Sent to Enforce Martial Law in Beijing; Party Chief in Struggle for Power."

21 May 1989. From Times Wire Services. "China Declares Partial Martial Law After Protesters Turn Away Troops."

The New York Times. 24 May 1989. Sheryl WuDunn. "Upheaval in China; Boldly and Subtly, China's Press Tests Limits."

La lettre de Reporters sans frontières. November 1990. Nø 19. "Une propagande qui tourne à vide."