In a poignant statement marking the 35th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre, Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te reiterated the indelible impact of the tragic event on history. Emphasizing that the memory of Beijing’s brutal crackdown “will not disappear in the torrent of history,” President Lai underscored the imperative of preserving this historical truth.
Addressing the global audience via Facebook, President Lai reaffirmed Taiwan’s unwavering commitment to upholding the memory of Tiananmen Square, an emblematic struggle for Chinese democracy. He vowed, “We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that this historical memory remains alive and resonates with everyone who values Chinese democracy.”
In acknowledging the formidable obstacles in defending democratic principles, President Lai emphasized the collective duty to confront authoritarianism with fortitude and bravery. He asserted, “This serves as a reminder that democracy and freedom are hard-won, necessitating our response to autocracy with freedom and our confrontation of authoritarian expansion with courage.”
President Lai’s sentiments epitomize Taiwan’s steadfast dedication to championing democracy and human rights, notwithstanding opposition from Beijing. As the world commemorates the enduring legacy of Tiananmen Square, Taiwan emerges as a beacon of hope for those advocating for liberty and justice globally.