Image: Reuters Berita 24 English - The deaths of China's violent crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in and around Tiananmen Square 3...
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| Image: Reuters |
Berita 24 English - The deaths of China's violent crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in and around Tiananmen Square 33 years ago will not be forgotten, according to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, as Hong Kong issued a warning against illegal gatherings.
On Saturday, it will be the 33rd anniversary of Chinese military opening fire on the square to put a stop to student-led unrest. On the mainland, Chinese authorities have outlawed any public commemoration of the tragedy.
Blinken called the crackdown "a savage assault" in a statement released on Saturday am, Asia time.
"These brave folks' actions will not be forgotten. Every year, we recognize and honor those who fought for human rights and fundamental liberties "He went on to say.
"While many can no longer speak up for themselves, we and many others around the world continue to speak up on their behalf and support their peaceful efforts to promote democracy and individual rights," Blinken added.
"We will not forget June 4 in honor of the Chinese people and those who continue to fight oppression and seek freedom."
Zhao Lijian, a spokeswoman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, reaffirmed the government's official position regarding the events during a routine news conference in Beijing on Thursday.
He stated, "The Chinese government has long since arrived to a clear judgment on the political incident that occurred in the late 1980s."
Later on Saturday, activists will assemble in Taipei, Taiwan's capital, to commemorate the anniversary, possibly the only public event of its kind in the Chinese-speaking world, though large-scale commemorations have taken place in Chinese-run Hong Kong in previous years.
On Friday, Taiwan's China policy-making Mainland Affairs Council urged Beijing to "examine the historical facts of the Tiananmen Square Incident with sincerity, engage on political changes, and establish democratic government."
Last year, police in Hong Kong closed off a park to prevent people from assembling to celebrate the occasion, and the organizer of the scheduled vigil was arrested.
Hong Kong police announced late Friday that a section of Victoria Park, where the commemorations have taken place in past years, would be closed, adding that people should avoid "unauthorized assemblies and prohibited gatherings" as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
"Tomorrow, police will deploy sufficient manpower in key sites and take decisive measures to enforce the law, including arrests. The general populace should not disobey the law "They also added.
In June 2020, China enacted a strict new national security law in Hong Kong, punishing subversion, terrorism, and coordination with foreign forces.
