President Urges China to Acknowledge Truth of Tiananmen Square Incident and Initiate Reconciliation Dialogue

Central News Agency reporter Wen Guixiang, Taipei, June 4th - Today marks the 37th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square incident. President Lai Ching-te stated that 37 years ago, what was suppressed by the military was not only the lives and youth of democracy movement participants, but also an entire generation's yearning and practice of freedom and democracy. He called on China to face the truth of the Tiananmen Square incident, acknowledge the facts, comfort the wounded, and initiate reconciliation and dialogue. President Lai emphasized that Taiwan would stand with all those pursuing freedom and democracy until the truth is revealed and the wounds are comforted.

President Lai posted on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) in the morning. He noted that 37 years can turn a baby into an adult, establish a family, and walk their own path in life. However, on this day 37 years ago, thousands of young people in their prime, full of ideals and aspirations, were mercilessly shot and crushed by tanks in the streets of Beijing, Tiananmen Square, and across China.

He said that what was shot and crushed at that time was not only the lives and youth of democracy movement participants, but also an entire generation of China's yearning and practice of freedom and democracy.

He pointed out that a truly great nation should not rely on military strength, but should be tolerant of different voices, protect the people's right to pursue their dreams, and have the courage to face historical wounds.

President Lai expressed his sincere hope that China would face the truth of the Tiananmen Square incident 37 years ago, acknowledge the facts, comfort the wounded, and initiate reconciliation and dialogue; allowing people to freely express their opinions, and enabling people of different generations and positions to participate in public decision-making. Especially the voices of the younger generation should be heard; because their imagination of the future is the driving force for a nation to move forward. Embracing diverse opinions, thus achieving greatness.

President Lai emphasized that the strength of democratic countries does not come from grand narratives or top-down main themes; the strength of democratic countries comes from the diverse voices of the people and their collective efforts. A healthy government and society should fully support the next generation, allowing them to live better lives than their own; rather than using violence, surveillance, and other means to stifle their dreams and erase their opinions.

He mentioned attending a youth forum last week and having face-to-face discussions with many high school students who were young, had ideas, and were full of energy. During the dialogue with the high school students, he heard and saw the hope for the nation's future.

President Lai pointed out that the future of the nation should not be decided unilaterally by those in power, but should allow every young generation to be heard, supported, and achieved. Therefore, the government is recently promoting the 'Taiwan Population Strategy New Initiative - Family Support Chapter,' continuously investing in young people and supporting the next generation through growth subsidies, childcare support, education enhancements, and friendly workplaces. Because he firmly believes that supporting the younger generation is investing in the nation's future.

President Lai stated that the greatness of a nation does not lie in the size of its land or the strength of its military, but in whether its people can be free, respected, and pursue their own lives with peace of mind.

He said that when the truth remains sealed, memory becomes the force resisting forgetting. 'Let us continue our efforts. Taiwan will stand with all those pursuing freedom and democracy until the truth is revealed, the wounds are comforted, and no one loses their life for pursuing freedom.' Because a nation that respects its people, guards freedom, and practices democracy is truly a nation worthy of respect.