The 33rd Anniversary of Tiananmen Square

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Tomorrow, we commemorate the 33rd anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre in Beijing, where tens of thousands of pro-democracy protestors peacefully joined together to call for democracy, accountability, freedom, and rule of law.  The 50-day protest ended abruptly on June 4, 1989, with a brutal assault by the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) military.  Countless were imprisoned and the number of deaths is still unknown today.

The efforts of these brave individuals will not be forgotten.  Each year, we honor and remember those who stood up for human rights and fundamental freedoms.  While many are no longer able to speak up themselves, we and many around the world continue to stand up on their behalf and support their peaceful efforts to promote democracy and the rights of individuals.

Today, the struggle for democracy and freedom continues to echo in Hong Kong, where the annual vigil to commemorate the massacre in Tiananmen Square was banned by the PRC and Hong Kong authorities in an attempt to suppress the memories of that day.  We will continue to speak out and promote accountability for PRC atrocities and human rights abuses, including those in Hong Kong, Xinjiang, and Tibet.  To the people of China and to those who continue to stand against injustice and seek freedom, we will not forget June 4.