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Li Peng, Chinese Premier Known As 'Butcher Of Beijing,' Dies At 90

History will likely judge that Li deserved his moniker for his role in the Tiananmen Square massacre. He appeared on television to declare martial law. After that, troops descended on protesters.
Former Chinese Premier Li Peng, shown here at the United Nations in 2000, has died at 90.

Former Chinese Premier Li Peng, who became known as the "Butcher of Beijing" for playing a major role in the brutal crackdown on the Tiananmen Square student protests in 1989, has died at the age of 90.

Li held senior government positions in China in the 1980s and 1990s. He died on Monday evening from. Xinhua described Li as a "time-tested and loyal communist soldier, and an outstanding proletarian revolutionist, statesman and leader of the Party and the state."

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