Tiananmen Square protests remembered globally on 35th anniversary

On June 4, 2024, people worldwide remember the lives lost in the Tiananmen Square protests 35 years ago. ChinaAid continues to push for justice and rule of law in China, aligning with the ideals of those democracy-minded students.

Forty-six organizations, including ChinaAid, released a statement on this anniversary: "Thirty-five years ago, the Chinese government turned weapons against their own people in Beijing. As the tanks rolled into the city, millions of ordinary residents ran into the streets, standing bravely in front of the soldiers. Yet, the young protestors who opposed corruption and stood for freedom were brutally gunned down by the same government they had hoped would listen to their pleas. Today, we honor the memory of those protestors, all those who fell in the name of justice and freedom."

The statement continues to address how China's government has tried to erase these events from history. Despite this, individuals continue to commemorate them annually, risking consequences and imprisonment. The bravery of these individuals is acknowledged: "We honor their bravery and pay tribute to all those who have fought to keep the memory alive in the face of censorship and repression."

The families of victims, known as the Tiananmen Mothers, have been fighting for justice for 35 years. Many have passed away without seeing justice served but persist despite governmental repression: "This year, they were prevented from even gathering to commemorate the anniversary. Yet every year they persist in speaking out and making sure their voices are heard. We honor their work and urge the international community to uplift their voices and support their efforts."

In Hong Kong, annual commemorations have faced severe restrictions since 2019. Those attempting to keep these memories alive face harsh penalties: "We honor woman human rights defender Chow Hang-tung and the organizers of the June Fourth Vigil, who are imprisoned now for their beliefs. We honor college student Zeng Yuxuan...who has now disappeared in Mainland."

Reflecting on 1989's impact on China’s trajectory: "The people’s voice showed the way to a new beginning," but governmental violence silenced them instead. Over 35 years, political prisoner numbers have increased as dissent is seen as a threat by authorities.

The statement also criticizes international responses post-massacre: "Yet after the massacre...the United States and other democratic countries chose to embrace the CCP government in trade and investment." It urges prioritizing China's human rights record over economic gains.

"The 1989 movement was a completely peaceful protest that gained overwhelming support...Today we continue fighting in their name," concludes ChinaAid's statement.

Signatories include:

- Amigos del Tíbet – Colombia

- ARTICLE 19

- Associations France-Tibet

- Australia Tibet Council

- Campaign for Uyghurs

- Chicago Solidarity with Hong Kong (CSHK)

- China Aid Association

- Chinese Democracy & Human Rights Alliance

- CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation

- Comité de Apoyo al Tíbet (CAT), Spain

- Free Tibet