37th Anniversary of June Fourth: Taipei Vigil Mourns the Dead in Rain

Central News Agency reporter Li Yawen, Taipei, June 4 — It has been 37 years since the June Fourth incident. Multiple civic groups held a memorial vigil at the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall tonight, where participants took turns arranging lights to spell "8964" and laid flowers in the mourning area. Speakers at the site emphasized that Taiwan's ability to publicly commemorate June Fourth highlights the value of democracy.

The Chinese Democracy Academy Association and several other civic groups organized the 37th anniversary memorial vigil at the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall on the evening of the 4th under the theme "Memory Has No Borders, Resistance Has No Limits." The event began at around 6:40 p.m. amid heavy rain, with attendees wearing raincoats and holding umbrellas.

On display at the vigil was an authorized 3D-printed replica of "Pillar of Shame" by Danish artist Jens Galschiøt. Attendees formed the digits "8964" in relay fashion with lights and laid flowers in the mourning area to pay their respects. Around 8 p.m., the entire venue observed 64 seconds of silence to mourn the victims of the June Fourth incident.

Naoya, a visitor from Japan currently studying Chinese in Taiwan, told the Central News Agency that seeing Hong Kong lose democratic freedoms under Beijing's oppression made him deeply aware that this is an issue requiring broad attention. Taiwan still retains democracy and freedom, similar to Japan, and he came to the event to express his support and concern for the issue.

June Fourth survivor Wu Renhua said he has attended Taipei's June Fourth vigils for eight consecutive years and that tonight's rainfall was the heaviest he could remember. He expressed being moved by the public's willingness to attend despite the weather.

He stated that discussing or commemorating June Fourth in mainland China is not allowed. For 37 years, the Tiananmen Mothers have sought truth, accountability, and state compensation, but have yet to receive any response.

Wu emphasized the significance of Taiwan commemorating June Fourth. With Hong Kong's Victoria Park candlelight vigils no longer taking place, Taiwan's ability to publicly commemorate June Fourth is not only an act of mourning for those who died, but also a show of support for Hong Kong's political conscience prisoners and an affirmation of democratic national values. Facing the threat from the Chinese Communist Party, he said it is essential to uphold red lines and maintain a free way of life.

Mainland Affairs Council Deputy Minister Shen You-chung said the heavy rain symbolizes universal mourning for the young people who were killed for freedom and rights 37 years ago.

He emphasized that the Chinese Communist Party is aiming at Taiwan and trying to force Taiwan to accept the "1992 consensus and a one-China framework," and that Taiwan must recognize the CCP's ambitions. Facing the CCP's steady pressure, compromise would only bury democracy and freedom. In Taiwan, democracy and freedom are taken for granted; in Hong Kong, they are a luxury. "May Taiwan be blessed, long live freedom," he said.

Shen mentioned that the CCP's authoritarian leadership uses various methods to maintain stability, including long-arm jurisdiction and cross-border repression. According to current statistics, cases of the CCP's long-arm jurisdiction and cross-border repression against Taiwanese citizens, companies, and government officials have totaled 120.

Zeng Jian-yuan, executive director of the Chinese Democracy Academy Association, said that Taiwan's commemoration of June Fourth is the last bastion paying attention to human rights and democracy issues in China. If Taiwan does not speak up for June Fourth, related historical memory may be distorted or erased by the CCP. Facing China's problems and the CCP threat is Taiwan people's responsibility. (Edited by Yang Sheng-ru) 1150604

Choose to stand with facts. Your donation, however small, helps protect press freedom.

Download the Central News Agency "One Hand News" app to get the latest updates in real time.

The text, images and videos on this site may not be reproduced, broadcast, publicly transmitted or used without authorization.