Can the CCP Erase Self-Rule? Rubio Reflects on Tiananmen Square Massacre's 36th Anniversary

Synopsis
On the 36th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemns the CCP's actions, emphasizing the enduring values of freedom and democracy. As the world remembers the victims, the fight for truth and justice continues against oppressive regimes.
Key Takeaways
- Tiananmen Square Massacre occurred in 1989, highlighting the struggle for freedom and democracy.
- Marco Rubio emphasizes the importance of self-rule and human rights.
- The Chinese Communist Party continues to suppress the memory of the events.
- Global awareness and advocacy for human rights remain crucial.
- Commemoration of victims is essential for justice.
Washington, June 4 (NationPress) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday denounced China for the Tiananmen Square massacre in Beijing, marking the 36th anniversary of this tragic event and honoring the bravery of the innocent lives lost during the Chinese Communist Party's merciless suppression.
"We remember the Chinese Communist Party's brutal actions 36 years ago in Tiananmen Square and pay tribute to the courage of the innocent individuals who were killed and imprisoned that fateful day. Freedom, democracy, and self-rule are fundamental human rights that the CCP cannot obliterate," Rubio stated on X.
According to a statement from the US Department of State, the protests commenced on April 15, 1989, when tens of thousands of students congregated in Beijing's largest public square to mourn a Chinese Communist Party leader who endeavored to guide China toward a more open and democratic framework.
This gathering evolved into a platform for denouncing corruption and advocating for extensive political and economic reforms, sparking a nationwide movement. On the night of June 3 and 4, 1989, the Chinese Army invaded the Square with tanks, violently quashing the protests with devastating human tolls.
"Hundreds of thousands of everyday citizens in the capital and across China took to the streets for weeks to exercise their rights to free expression and peaceful assembly, advocating for democracy, human rights, and an end to rampant corruption. The CCP retaliated with a savage crackdown, deploying the Chinese Army to open fire on unarmed civilians gathered in Beijing's streets and in Tiananmen Square," the statement elaborated.
"The CCP actively attempts to suppress the truth, but the world will never forget. Today, we honor the valor of the Chinese individuals who lost their lives while striving to exercise their fundamental liberties, as well as those who continue to endure persecution while seeking accountability and justice for the events of June 4, 1989. Their bravery in facing imminent danger serves as a reminder that the principles of freedom, democracy, and self-rule transcend American ideals; they are human rights that the CCP cannot erase," the statement continued.
In the meantime, the US-based human rights organization Human Rights Watch criticized China, underscoring that 36 years after the killings of countless peaceful pro-democracy demonstrators in Beijing, the Chinese government still strives to erase the memory of the June 1989 Tiananmen Massacre.
"The Chinese government has never acknowledged the Tiananmen Massacre, let alone provided reparations for the victims and their families. Beijing's enforced amnesia has intensified authoritarian rule in China, yet it has not extinguished the calls for truth, democracy, and respect for human rights," stated Yalkun Uluyol, a researcher at Human Rights Watch.
"Despite the Chinese government's attempts to suppress the recollection of the Tiananmen Massacre, the event continues to resonate globally. Foreign governments should support and amplify acts of remembrance by commemorating the Tiananmen Massacre and urging Beijing to finally accept its responsibilities," he added.