Stephen G. Craft
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- May 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780813166353
- eISBN:
- 9780813166629
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University Press of Kentucky
- DOI:
- 10.5810/kentucky/9780813166353.003.0009
- Subject:
- Political Science, International Relations and Politics
Chapter 9 describes the events of May 24, following Reynolds's controversial acquittal. After Liu's widow, Ao Tehua, arrived in front of the American embassy gates, protesting the verdict and ...
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Chapter 9 describes the events of May 24, following Reynolds's controversial acquittal. After Liu's widow, Ao Tehua, arrived in front of the American embassy gates, protesting the verdict and demanding full compensation, her supporters flocked to her side. By mid-afternoon the protest developed into an “angry mob” that was violently anti-American. Throughout the day, nine waves of rioters attacked the embassy, threw stones, and scaled the walls, causing the Taipei Garrison Command to call for backup. While Chinese workers were permitted safe exit, Americans were pursued by the mob. Meanwhile, the hostilities increased once the mob learned that Reynolds had left Taipei with his family earlier that day, thus giving the appearance of fleeing. After the crowd ransacked the embassy, it then attacked MAAG's communication facilities and Municipal Police Headquarters. By the end of the day, the ROC had announced a state of emergency in Taipei and imposed martial law as Chinese troops arrived. Many wondered how the riots of Black Friday would impact U.S. policy in Taiwan and its world alliances.Less
Chapter 9 describes the events of May 24, following Reynolds's controversial acquittal. After Liu's widow, Ao Tehua, arrived in front of the American embassy gates, protesting the verdict and demanding full compensation, her supporters flocked to her side. By mid-afternoon the protest developed into an “angry mob” that was violently anti-American. Throughout the day, nine waves of rioters attacked the embassy, threw stones, and scaled the walls, causing the Taipei Garrison Command to call for backup. While Chinese workers were permitted safe exit, Americans were pursued by the mob. Meanwhile, the hostilities increased once the mob learned that Reynolds had left Taipei with his family earlier that day, thus giving the appearance of fleeing. After the crowd ransacked the embassy, it then attacked MAAG's communication facilities and Municipal Police Headquarters. By the end of the day, the ROC had announced a state of emergency in Taipei and imposed martial law as Chinese troops arrived. Many wondered how the riots of Black Friday would impact U.S. policy in Taiwan and its world alliances.
