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Taiwanese President Lai Ching‑te criticizes China on the 37th anniversary of the Tiananmen crackdown, with Beijing’s backlash seen as inevitable. / Xinhua News Agency

Lai Ching‑te, President of Taiwan, wrote on his Facebook page on June 4 (local time): “Thirty‑seven years ago today, thousands of young people with ideals and aspirations were mercilessly killed and crushed by the military and tanks in the streets of Beijing, Tiananmen Square, and across China. What was killed and crushed was not only the lives and youth of those participating in the democracy movement, but also an entire generation’s longing and practice for freedom and democracy.”

He continued, “A truly great nation is not one obsessed with military power. It must not only embrace different voices but also protect the people’s right to pursue their dreams and bravely face the wounds of history. I sincerely hope China will confront the events of 37 years ago, acknowledge the truth, offer comfort for the wounds, and begin reconciliation and dialogue.”

He also emphasized, “The strength of a democratic nation does not depend on grand narratives, nor does it require top‑down directives. A healthy government and society must fully support the next generation so they can live better lives than their predecessors. Their dreams must not be suppressed, nor their voices silenced, through violence, surveillance, or control.”

Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council likewise stated the previous day: “China commemorates the May Fourth Movement of 1919 on a grand scale, yet collectively blocks historical memory of the Tiananmen crackdown. Such double standards do not help resolve China’s deep‑rooted social problems and contradictions, but instead widen the gap with universal values.” The council urged Beijing to face the historical truth.

It added, “We solemnly appeal to the Beijing authorities to respect the Taiwanese people’s commitment to democracy and cease coercive measures.”

According to diplomatic sources in Beijing, the city’s Public Security Bureau recently notified families of Tiananmen victims that they were prohibited from visiting cemeteries, indicating a strong clampdown on commemorative activities. The group “Tiananmen Mothers” told foreign media that annual family gatherings, held since 2009, have been blocked by authorities since late December last year.

                                                                                                           Hong Soon‑do