Taipei: President Lai Ching-te on Thursday urged China to face up to the Tiananmen Square Massacre on its 37th anniversary and grant fundamental civil rights to the Chinese people. In a social media post, Lai recounted that thousands of young Chinese were “gunned down and crushed by troops and tanks on the streets of Beijing, in Tiananmen Square, and across China” on June 4, 1989.

According to Focus Taiwan, Lai stated that “a truly great nation should not place its faith in military might or the pursuit of force.” Instead, he emphasized the importance of embracing diverse voices, protecting the people’s right to pursue their dreams, and confronting historical wounds. He expressed hope that China would acknowledge the truth of the June Fourth Incident, heal the pain, and initiate reconciliation and dialogue.

The president also called on China to grant civil rights, including freedom of expression and the right to participate in public affairs, highlighting the importance of prioritizing young people’s voices. “Its people should be free to express their views, and people of different generations and perspectives should all be able to participate in public decision-making,” Lai wrote. He emphasized that the younger generations’ vision is crucial for the nation’s progress.

Lai reiterated Taiwan’s commitment to standing with those who strive for freedom and democracy until the truth is revealed and no one has to sacrifice their lives for freedom. Meanwhile, Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) urged China to respond to its people’s calls for justice and fairness, and to launch political reforms allowing civic participation in public affairs.

The MAC pressed China to abandon its one-party authoritarian governance model to genuinely safeguard fundamental human rights and achieve a truly civilized society. It also called on Beijing to respect the Taiwanese people’s commitment to democracy and democratic governance, urging China to cease its intimidation and coercion of Taiwan.