World Marks 36th Anniversary of Tiananmen Square Crackdown

    World Marks 36th Anniversary of Tiananmen Square Crackdown
    Above: People hold flowers at a memorial to mark the 36th anniversary of China's Tiananmen Square crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrators in 1989, at Liberty Square in Taipei, Taiwan, on June 4, 2025. Image copyright: I-Hwa Cheng/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images

    The Spin

    Anti-China narrative

    China's deadly crackdown in 1989 has not ended, as evinced by its ongoing censorship of the topic and persecution of other groups, exposing a regime that silences dissent and erases history to maintain control. Families torn apart by exile and unanswered pleas for reunion reveal the human toll. Justice demands accountability for both the 1989 massacre and ongoing Uyghur genocide. The world must reject Beijing's censorship and honor the courage of those who resist.

    Pro-China narrative

    The U.S. is distorting historical facts and interfering in China's internal affairs. The Tiananmen Square incident saved China from a "color revolution" and led to reforms that lifted millions out of poverty. The Square now symbolizes national pride, drawing crowds for vibrant ceremonies. External critiques often overlook China's achievements and the people's support for its path. China's progress since 1989, becoming the world's second-largest economy with a per capita GDP rising from $400 to over $10,000, shows its stable governance.

    Establishment-critical narrative

    The Chinese Communist Party's rise was fueled by Western imperialism, from the opium wars to treaty ports that birthed radical hubs like Shanghai. Colonial powers introduced ideas and networks that shaped the CCP's foundation, yet the West's nominal condemnations of its abuses, like Tiananmen and Uyghur oppression, have changed nothing. Global trade continues, shielding Beijing's brutality. The West's complicity in creating and sustaining this regime demands accountability.



    The Controversies



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