This Day in 1989: December 19, 1989, President Bush Lifts Some Sanctions against China

On December 19, 1989, President Bush lifted restrictions on loans by US Import-Export Bank to American companies trading with China. The restriction was part of a sanction measure imposed by the US Congress in November as a response to the Tiananmen Massacre.

Bush also issued a permit for an Australian company to launch three US-made communications satellites using China's rockets. After the massacre, the American government froze any export to China that could be used for military purpose. The satellite launch fell into the category and had been suspended since.

In an official statement, Bush pointed out that the actions would benefit American national interest and be helpful to sustain the commercial cooperation between the US and China.

Days of 1989