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Global Leaders Commemorate Tiananmen Square Massacre Amidst China's Censorship

As the 36th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre passes, global leaders honor victims while China intensifies censorship and repression of dissent.

Overview

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On the 36th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre, global leaders, including U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te, commemorated the victims. Despite China's ongoing efforts to suppress the memory of the event, activists, including the Tiananmen Mothers, continue to demand accountability and justice. Security was heightened in Beijing, where public remembrance is banned, and Hong Kong's once-vibrant vigils have been silenced. In contrast, Taiwan held large gatherings, emphasizing its commitment to democracy. The anniversary underscores the stark differences in how authoritarian and democratic societies remember historical events.

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Analysis

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  • The article presents a critical view of China's suppression of the Tiananmen Square massacre's memory.
  • It highlights the ongoing struggle for justice by victims' families against government censorship.
  • The contrast with Taiwan's democracy underscores the lack of freedom in China.

Articles (6)

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Center (3)

"…Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian hit back during a Wednesday briefing in the capital, saying Beijing had "lodged a solemn protest" over Rubio's comments."

China calls Rubio remarks about Tiananmen Square an "attack"
CBS NewsCBS News·1M·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…For most Chinese, the 36th anniversary of a bloody crackdown that ended pro-democracy protests in China passed like any other weekday."

A quiet Tiananmen Square anniversary displays China's ability to suppress history
ABC NewsABC News·1M·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…The party has tried, with some success, to erase what it calls the “political turmoil” of 1989 from the collective memory."

A quiet Tiananmen Square anniversary displays China's ability to suppress history
Associated PressAssociated Press·1M·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

FAQ

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The Tiananmen Square protests were about pro-democracy movements, involving students, workers, and others gathering in Beijing's Tiananmen Square and other cities to demand reforms and greater political freedoms.

China has responded by banning any public commemoration of the event and increasing security around Tiananmen Square. The government also continues to suppress memories of the massacre through censorship.

Global leaders, including the U.S. Secretary of State and Taiwan's President, have commemorated the victims and called on China to acknowledge its past. They emphasize the importance of remembering the event despite China's efforts to suppress it.

History

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