TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) marked the 36th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square crackdown Wednesday (June 4) by stressing the dual importance of mourning the historical tragedy and ensuring its memory endures for future generations. In comments widely interpreted as criticism of Chinese authorities, Lai pointedly noted Beijing's continued refusal to acknowledge the 1989 pro-democracy demonstrations that ended in bloodshed when military forces moved against unarmed protesters.
In a statement shared on his official Facebook account, the president reflected solemnly on the events of June 4, 1989, when thousands of students and citizens gathered in Beijing demanding political reforms. "These young people left a profound testament to humanity's pursuit of ideals," Lai wrote, drawing a sharp contrast between authoritarian regimes that "silence and forget history" and democratic societies that actively work to preserve historical truths, however uncomfortable they might be.
President Lai drew parallels to Taiwan's own historical reckoning with the White Terror period (白色恐怖), a decades-long era of political suppression that ended in 1987, noting his administration's continuing work on transitional justice initiatives. He emphasized freedom's fundamental value and warned against authoritarian systems increasingly threatening democratic institutions worldwide. Taiwan, Lai asserted, occupies "the forefront of the global democratic front line" and remains steadfast in its commitment to collaborate with international democratic allies to preserve stability and safeguard hard-won freedoms across the Indo-Pacific region. ◼
