Taiwan President Calls on China to Acknowledge Tiananmen Truth; Lawmaker Questions Timing

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te marked the 37th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square incident by urging China to confront its past and engage in dialogue. "I sincerely hope that China can face the Tiananmen Square incident of 37 years ago, acknowledge the truth, soothe the pain, and initiate reconciliation and dialogue," Lai stated.

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I sincerely hope that China can face the Tiananmen Square incident of 37 years ago, acknowledge the truth, soothe the pain, and initiate reconciliation and dialogue.

However, the president's call for acknowledgment and reconciliation was met with skepticism by some within Taiwan's political sphere. Kuomintang (KMT) legislator Lai I-chung expressed surprise at President Lai's focus on the Tiananmen Square events, given the president's consistent emphasis on Taiwan's sovereignty and its distinct identity from mainland China.

"President Lai has always emphasized that the two sides of the strait are not subordinate to each other, so why is he concerned about June 4th now? It's very strange," Lai I-chung commented. He added that if such remarks could prompt Beijing to initiate a dialogue mechanism, it would be a welcome development for everyone.

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President Lai has always emphasized that the two sides of the strait are not subordinate to each other, so why is he concerned about June 4th now? It's very strange.

Despite the reservations, Lai I-chung acknowledged that the president's statement could be interpreted as a desire for engagement and peace across the Taiwan Strait. He suggested that the president's appeal for greater peace and democracy could garner societal consensus and support, particularly if it leads to constructive communication between Taiwan and China.

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If such remarks could prompt Beijing to initiate a dialogue mechanism, it would be a welcome development for everyone.