Failed to get "forcing this split"

Does it mean "imposing this split/cutting off the relationship between the CCP and students in hunger strike"?

Context:
That evening Zhao had the awkward responsibility of chairing a Politburo
Standing Committee meeting, without Deng, to discuss how to implement
Deng's decision to carry out martial law. At the meeting Zhao announced
that he could not implement the decision to introduce martial law. Acknowl-
edging that his career was over, he said his time was up.
The next morning Zhao Ziyang arrived in Tiananmen Square at about 5
a.m. to express his concern for the students. Accompanied by Li Peng, who
was now monitoring his movements, Zhao, speaking into a handheld micro-
phone, said, "We have come too late . . . No matter how you have criticized
us, I think you have the right to do so." Zhao was shown on television around
the world, trembling, with tears in his eyes. He explained that he too had
once been young and had taken part in demonstrations without regard for
the consequences. He then encouraged the students to give up their hunger
strike and look after their health, so they could take an active part in the four
modernizations. Some listeners interpreted Zhao's message as a warning that
.he could no longer help protect the students. This would be his last public
appearance.
After forcing this split on May 17, Zhao was not kept informed of meet-
ings to plan for martial law and he refused to make the public announcement
on its imposition. On May 19 Zhao wrote a letter to Deng, trying once again
to persuade him to soften the April 26 editorial, even though by then he
knew it had virtually no chance of success. His letter was never answered.
When Yang Shangkun irst learned about Zhao!ˉs letter of resignation, he
asked Zhao to withdraw it so as not to reveal to the public an open split
within the leadership!aeven though Deng, upset about Zhao's appearance iN
the square, felt that such a split may have already become apparent. Zhao re-
fused to chair the meeting to announce the imposition of martial law, but he
did agree to withdraw his letter; instead of resigning he requested a three- day
During those three days, martial law was to
leave due to physical exhaustion.
be introduced.
-Ezra Vogel