On the Eve of the 37th Anniversary of June 4, MAC Urges CCP to Advance Political Reform

The June 4 incident is approaching its 37th anniversary. On the evening of June 3, the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) of Taiwan issued a statement urging Beijing to face the historical facts of the June 4 incident, respond to the people's calls for fairness, justice, fundamental rights, and civic participation, and advance political system reform at an early date.

The MAC stated in a press release on the evening of June 3 that Beijing should respond to the people's demands for fairness, justice, fundamental rights, and civic participation, and initiate political system reform without further delay. Only by moving away from a one-party dictatorship model of governance can basic human rights be genuinely protected and a truly civilized society realized.

The MAC pointed out that while Beijing loudly commemorates the May Fourth Movement every year and praises the progressive spirit of youth, it has consistently failed to properly evaluate the patriotic and anti-corruption aspirations of the young people involved in the June 4 incident 37 years ago, nor has it delivered justice to them. This double standard and collective suppression of historical memory do not help resolve the various social problems and deep-seated contradictions currently existing in mainland China, and instead widen the gap with universal values.

The MAC emphasized that this year marks the 30th anniversary of Taiwan's implementation of direct presidential elections. The people of Taiwan have demonstrated through peaceful democratic practice and party alternation in power that a free and democratic governance structure and way of life not only take root and thrive in Chinese society but are also an indispensable asset to human civilization. This proves that democracy does not suffer from incompatibility and is the best option for national stability and social prosperity.

The MAC called on Beijing to respect the Taiwanese people's commitment to and choice of the democratic system, and to cease using intimidation and coercion against Taiwan. Only when human rights conditions within mainland China are substantially improved can cross-strait opposition be resolved and mutual trust rebuilt through equal, dignified, and rational dialogue.