On May 13, anticipating the arrival of Gorbachev for the 1989 Sino-Soviet Summit, students began a hunger strike. Zhao Ziyang appointed Chen Xitong and Li Ximing as part of a delegation to meet with the students at Tiananmen. Students accused Chen of living too extravagant a lifestyle, to which he responded, “We have made some mistakes.” Chen Xitong and Li Ximing even offered to disclose their assets as a way to calm protesters and absolve themselves of corruption charges.
On May 13th, students began a hunger strike in anticipation of Gorbachev's arrival for the 1989 Sino-Soviet Summit. Zhao Ziyang appointed Chen Xitong and Li Ximing to meet with them at Tiananmen Square. Students accused Chen of living extravagantly, prompting him to admit "We have made some mistakes."  Chen Xitong and Li Ximing even offered to disclose their assets as a way to quell the protests and address corruption allegations.