Taiwan President Criticizes China on Tiananmen Anniversary, Urges Historical Reckoning

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te sharply criticized China for its continued refusal to acknowledge the 37th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre, urging Beijing to confront its historical injustices.

"A truly great country should not rely on a powerful military, but should face the wounds of its history," Lai wrote on Facebook, expressing hope that China would acknowledge the truth and begin a dialogue. Taiwan's government, which China claims as its own territory, is now a major center for commemorations of the event.

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A truly great country should not rely on a powerful military, but should face the wounds of its history.

In Beijing, Tiananmen Square remained open to tourists, with increased security presence. China has long suppressed public discussion of the 1989 crackdown, where hundreds of people are believed to have died when the military dispersed pro-democracy protests. Families of the victims continue to demand accountability and compensation, which the government has refused.

Meanwhile, in Hong Kong, artist Chen Sanmu created a 6.4-meter red thread installation, symbolizing the date of the massacre, near Victoria Park, where large commemorations were once held but are now banned. The artist was briefly detained by police. In Taipei, memorial events were scheduled, highlighting the growing international remembrance of the event outside mainland China.

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The government is not fulfilling its responsibility, refusing reparations and suppressing public discussion of the events.