Archive · 5 Jun 2025
China and U.S. Clash Over Tiananmen Square Crackdown Remarks
Thirty-five years ago, China's government used troops to stop peaceful protests in Tiananmen Square.
The US said they remember this event and the people who were killed.
China, however, criticized the US for its comments, calling them wrong and an attempt to interfere in China’s affairs.
Officials and activists in other places, like Taiwan and Hong Kong, also marked the anniversary.
In Hong Kong, a jailed activist started a hunger strike to remember those who died.
Despite the event's sensitive nature, people continue to remember and call for justice.
China criticized US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's comments on the Tiananmen Square crackdown.
Rubio stated that the world will never forget the events of June 4, 1989.
Chinese officials said the US remarks interfered in China’s internal affairs.
The Tiananmen Mothers, a group of victims' families, have waited 36 years for an apology.
Activists in Hong Kong and Taiwan also commemorated the event.
- Who
- China and the United States, along with activists and officials in Taiwan and Hong Kong.
- What
- China and the US exchanged strong words over the anniversary of the Tiananmen Square crackdown.
- When
- The events occurred on June 4, 1989, and the 35th anniversary was commemorated on June 4, 2025.
- Where
- Beijing, Hong Kong, and Taipei.
- Why
- China reacted to the US's remarks on the crackdown anniversary, which China views as interference in its internal affairs.
U.S., Taiwan, and Activists
China's Government
Historical Memory and Censorship
U.S., Taiwan, and Activists
The U.S., Taiwan, and Hong Kong activists commemorate the crackdown and advocate for remembering the event.
China's Government
The Chinese government views the Tiananmen Square protests as 'political turmoil' and seeks to suppress public discussion.
Sovereignty vs. Human Rights
U.S., Taiwan, and Activists
The US believes it is important to commemorate those who sought to exercise their fundamental freedoms and continues to seek justice.
China's Government
China considers comments by the US as interference in its internal affairs.
- Event
- 35th Anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Crackdown
- Location
- Tiananmen Square, Beijing; Hong Kong; Taipei
- Date
- June 4, 1989 (Crackdown); June 4, 2025 (Anniversary)
- Key Figures
- Marco Rubio, Lin Jian, Lai Ching-te, Chow Hang-tung
- Incident
- Chinese troops cleared student-led protests
- Casualties
- Estimates range from several hundred to over a thousand deaths
