Monday, February 14, 2011

Hong Kong Newspaper Reports a Phone Interview with Xu Qinxian

Hong Kong newspaper Apple Daily reported a chance encounter by an unnamed "oversea friend" with Xu Qinxian (徐勤先), who as the commander of the 38th Army in 1989 had refused to carry out the order of attacking Tiananmen Square on the night of June 3rd.

General Xu Qinxian was arrested right away. The 38th Army, under an acting command, then spearheaded the most bloody battle of the night along the West Chang'an Avenue.

Xu Qinxian was latter expelled from the Communist Party and sentenced to 5 years in prison. His whereabout has been a mystery until the publication of this phone conversation. In the recording, the 75-year-old's voice is loud, clear and strong, saying he is in good health with only minor issues. When asked about his rebellious action 22 years ago, he said, "It's in the past, it doesn't matter to regret. What's done was done. There is no regret for what was done."

He also disclosed that the government allowed him to keep his army membership and privilege. He is living a comfortable life now.

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