Suppressing June 4th: Yaita Akio reveals Beijing's cruel calculation, warns against illusions of CCP

Japanese journalist Yaita Akio has sharply criticized Beijing's intensified efforts to suppress memories of the June 4th Tiananmen Square incident, noting that families of victims are now being prevented from visiting graves. Akio stated that any government that deploys military force against its own citizens, regardless of the reason, must be condemned, calling it a fundamental line for civilization.

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Any government that deploys military force against its own people, in any country, for any reason, should be condemned. This is the most basic line of civilization.

Akio pointed out that the "Tiananmen Mothers," a group of families seeking truth, apologies, and accountability for their loved ones killed during the crackdown, have received no positive response in 37 years. Instead, they face surveillance and restrictions. He expressed concern that this generation of mothers is aging, with many having passed away, leaving the responsibility of preserving memory to the current generation.

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The more cruel calculation of Beijing is to make the memory of June 4th be forgotten.

Reflecting on Taiwan, Akio warned against harboring illusions about the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). He criticized certain Taiwanese figures, like KMT Chairwoman Charlena Cheng, for seemingly accepting Beijing's narrative and suggesting that proximity to authoritarianism brings security. Akio argued this is a dangerous misconception, implying that aligning with authoritarian regimes could lead to a loss of democratic freedoms.

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The most dangerous part of this statement is that it makes some Taiwanese mistakenly believe that by getting closer to authoritarianism, they can achieve security.

Akio, who was stationed in Beijing for 10 years as a foreign correspondent, emphasized his mission in Taiwan is to remind people not to underestimate the evil of authoritarian systems. He believes that the tragedy of the Tiananmen Mothers could befall Taiwan if its democratic system is compromised and it is forced to accept a regime that does not tolerate dissent.

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My mission since coming to Taiwan has always been simple: to remind more people not to harbor illusions about the CCP and not to underestimate the evil of authoritarian regimes. The Tiananmen Mothers are fading, but memory must not fade.