Li Peng’s Ouster Looming as Million Defy Martial Law : Premier Seen Losing to Liberals

One million people in Beijing and tens of thousands in other cities marched today to demand that Premier Li Peng resign, and there were signs that he is losing a power struggle with liberal factions of the leadership.

Foreign Minister Qian Qichen, in the first official illumination on the backstage struggle since Li declared martial law in parts of the capital Saturday, said Communist Party General Secretary Zhao Ziyang remains in office.

Zhao, who heads a more liberal faction, favored meeting with university students who occupied Tian An Men Square on May 13 to demand a dialogue on democratic reforms. He reportedly offered to resign shortly before Li ordered troops in to quell the protest.

First Official Word

Qian’s comment to European Community ambassadors, reported by diplomatic sources, was the first official word on Zhao’s status.

In other indications that Li may be losing his power struggle with Zhao’s faction, a military officer was quoted as saying troops ordered into Beijing have been told to withdraw. He did not say how far.

The official New China News Agency also reported public demands for Li’s ouster for the first time in its report on today’s march in Beijing. “The overwhelming majority of the slogans of the parade were directed against the chief leader of the State Council,” the news agency said, referring to Li but not by name. The State Council is China’s Cabinet.

Hong Kong commercial radio reported that the party Politburo decided to strip Li of both his government and party posts and that Zhao would resume his duties. The report could not be confirmed and was one of many contradictory reports on China’s murky political situation.

Support Appears Lacking

However, Li’s failure to enforce martial law four days after declaring it in a harsh speech broadcast nationwide seemed to indicate that he lacked adequate support within the government and party.

Also uncertain is the status of senior leader Deng Xiaoping, 84, believed to be behind the crackdown.

“Dear students, your final goal is not far away,” a student announcer said over a loudspeaker to the 30,000 students still occupying Tian An Men Square.

The protesters originally sought a dialogue with the government on press and other reforms, but since martial law have demanded Li’s resignation.

Out-of-town students continued to flock to Beijing to join the protest even though many of the original Beijing strikers left the square in exhaustion after a weeklong hunger strike.

Martial Law Defied

Beijing residents continued to defy martial law regulations against marching, making speeches, distributing pamphlets and other political activities.

Students, teachers, government workers and intellectuals today led the biggest march since martial law was declared, chanting: “Li Peng, step down” and “Withdraw the troops, lift martial law.”

New China News Agency put the number of marchers at 1 million and reported the chants against Li, in sharp contrast to other official reports of the last few days that have insisted order is being maintained in Beijing and life is returning to normal.