China strongly rejected U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s criticism on the 37th anniversary of the Tiananmen incident, saying it firmly opposes interference in China’s internal affairs. At the same time, it dismissed Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te’s remark that the past must be faced squarely, stating that it is not a diplomatic issue.

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Mao Ning, spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry, immediately responded to U.S. criticism on the 37th anniversary of the Tiananmen incident. / Chinese Foreign Ministry

At a regular press briefing on June 4, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated, “The Chinese government has already reached a clear conclusion regarding the political turmoil that occurred in the late 1980s.”

She added, “The path of socialism with Chinese characteristics is the choice of history and the people. It has received the heartfelt support of all Chinese people and broad recognition from the international community. We will firmly follow this path and advance Chinese-style modernization to achieve the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.”

Mao emphasized, “No country or force can stop the progress of the Chinese people,” and criticized Washington’s remarks as “distorting historical facts and disparaging China’s political system and development path.” She declared, “We strongly oppose interference in China’s internal affairs.”

She further urged, “The U.S. should fulfill its promise to respect China and the Chinese people through concrete actions, stop fabricating ideological confrontation, and cease interfering in China’s internal affairs under the pretext of democracy and human rights.”

Earlier, on June 3 (local time), U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a statement marking the 37th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square crackdown, saying, “June 4 marks the day when the Chinese Communist Party ordered the military to attack thousands of peaceful demonstrators in and around Tiananmen Square.” He commemorated the students, workers, and civilians who lost their lives, noting, “We remember their lives and honor their legacy.”

Rubio added, “No amount of censorship can erase the past. The legitimacy of those who sacrificed to defend the inalienable rights of free expression and peaceful assembly will one day be affirmed.”

Known as one of Washington’s leading hardliners on China, Rubio also issued a statement on the same day last year, declaring, “The Chinese Communist Party may try to censor the truth, but the world will never forget.”

                                                                                                           Hong Soon-do