May 15 Third day of hunger strike. Gorbachev arrives in Beijing for the first Sino-Soviet summit since 1959. The government cancels plans to welcome Gorbachev at Tiananmen Square. May 18 Sixth day of hunger strike. Li Peng summons several student leaders for a televised talk at the Great Hall of the People.
Nothing is achieved.
The government prepares to declare martial law. May 19 Seventh day of hunger strike. The government's plan for martial law is leaked to student leaders, who call off the hunger strike and declare a mass sit-in. The government formally declares martial law in Beijing, but the army's advance towards the city is blocked by large numbers of students and citizens. The troops pull back to the outskirts of Beijing.