[3] The Federation planned to seek legitimacy by strict observance of democratic policies such as elections and group decision-making.

[18] The students hoped these methods would ensure the organization's unity of leadership,[19] and would effectively contrast with the lack of transparency they perceived in the Communist Party.

[16] Concerned by the April 26 editorial, the Federation decided that, as an illegal organization, it needed to reinforce its legitimacy by showing its popular support.

[6] However, the government avoided direct contact with the Federation, instead inviting student leaders to meet on an individual basis.

"[29] During the meeting, State Council spokesman Yuan Mu insisted that the Communist Party and the student protesters shared the same goals.

[7] The following day, the Federation presented a twelve-point petition, including a demand that future government efforts at dialogue be sincere.

[30] On May 4, the Federation successfully organized a demonstration of over 100,000 protesters in Tiananmen Square, marking the 70-year anniversary of the May Fourth Movement.

[5] As the protests continued throughout May and into June, the Hunger Strike Group would take control of events in the Square, and would largely displace the authority previously held by the Beijing Students' Autonomous Federation.

[33][34] Speaking with CCP General Secretary Zhao Ziyang on May 4, Premier Li Peng voiced his concern over the ongoing protests in the Square.

"[36] On May 13, after the hunger strikers announced their plan, Yan Mingfu, Director of the Party's United Front Work Department, met with a number of intellectuals and student protesters, including Wang Dan, Chai Ling, and Wuer Kaixi.