Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te marked the 37th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre by urging China to confront its past and acknowledge the thousands of lives lost during the brutal military crackdown on pro-democracy protesters. He emphasized the need for China to initiate reconciliation and foster an environment where people can freely express their views without fear of repression.
In a statement shared on social media, Lai highlighted that the massacre extinguished the hopes and youth of an entire generation striving for freedom and democracy. He contrasted this with what he defined as the cornerstone of a strong democracy: the acceptance of diverse opinions and collaborative public decision-making involving all generations.
Lai stressed that a nation’s greatness should not be measured by military might or displays of power but by its tolerance for differing voices and its willingness to confront historical wounds openly. He called for China to acknowledge the truth of the events on June 4, 1989, promote healing, and allow people—especially the younger generation—to participate meaningfully in shaping their country’s future.
The Taiwanese President also reaffirmed Taiwan’s commitment to supporting freedom and democracy globally, expressing hope inspired by recent conversations with high-school students about their views on the future. These hopeful exchanges, he said, reflect the importance of empowering the next generation and ensuring their voices are heard as a key force for societal progress.
The Tiananmen Square protests began in April 1989, with students and citizens peacefully demanding democratic reforms, free expression, and an end to corruption. The Chinese government responded with a violent military intervention in June, suppressing the movement and leaving a lasting imprint on modern Chinese history.