On June 2nd (last Sunday), the China Democracy Party held a global joint event in front of the consulate in San Francisco to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the “June 4th” incident.
Despite the strong winds that day, many democracy advocates residing in the United States participated in the memorial event.
President of the China Democracy Education Foundation, Fang Zheng, said, “Today is June 2nd, 35 years ago today, the ‘June 4th’ massacre happened in Beijing. We commemorate this tragic history because it should not be forgotten. The current regime of the Chinese Communist Party is still an extension of the regime that massacred its people back then, still brutally persecuting the people domestically, and China still lacks democracy, freedom, and basic human rights.”
He emphasized, “On this special day, we not only commemorate the tragedy of 35 years ago but also pay attention to the current suffering in China. We must continue to expose the crimes of the CCP. It is not enough to expose the crimes; today we gather here because we must bravely say no to the CCP, dare to resist.”
Fang urged everyone to bravely resist tyranny and end this evil regime soon. He stressed that this year’s theme for commemorating “June 4th” is: resistance is the best commemoration. He hoped that everyone would uphold the spirit of 35 years ago and continue to strive for progress in China.
Xiaomin Huang, head of the China Democracy Party’s San Francisco branch, recited a poem she wrote at the event.
Thirty-five years have passed since June 4th, tears shed for the victims. The spirit of righteousness still resonates, sacrificing for democracy with blood.
Although the candle has extinguished, the fire is still burning, passing on the torch unwaveringly. In democratic China, it is our responsibility, glory will return to the land of China!
Living in the United States for nearly a decade, experiencing life under CCP’s rule, Chen Fengbo expressed his disappointment with the increasing authoritarianism and lack of freedom under Xi Jinping’s regime. He hopes Xi Jinping will be the last dictator in China’s history.
In contrast to the election processes in the U.S., where competition determines winners, in China, leadership ascent is often controlled through factions and unanimous voting. Ordinary citizens in China lack voting rights, and appeals often face rejection from local authorities. Even when reaching the top levels, dissenting voices are often disregarded due to the lack of avenues for resistance.
Yang Yuxin emphasized the importance of overseas Chinese providing information and support to domestic dissenters, encouraging more people to bravely express their opposing views with courage and determination.
Hu Shuai opposed Xi Jinping’s authoritarian rule, criticizing the corruption, lack of freedom of speech, democracy, and equality under the Chinese government. He urged for Xi Jinping’s swift removal to restore freedom, fairness, and justice for the Chinese people.
At the event, Xu Jingzhou recited two poems and conveyed a message to the global Chinese community and people worldwide to remember the “June 4th” incident forever, advocating for democracy and freedom in China. Although the ideals are yet to be realized, he called for unified efforts among democratic supporters globally.
Renn Qidi and Li Yumeng, a married couple, attended the event with their daughter, emphasizing the trauma inflicted on China since the CCP’s inception in 1949. They highlighted the suppression of freedoms and rights under the regime’s authoritarian control, advocating for awakening the populace to bring about change.
Emphasizing their love for China and the values of democracy, freedom, and rule of law, they called for unity against the CCP’s oppression, aiming for a liberated China that promotes global freedom. They viewed the CCP as an enemy of humanity.
Ruo Fengwen articulated, “Authority poses the greatest threat to human dignity and freedom. Under authority, voices are suppressed, freedom of speech is stripped, and differing views find no expression. History shows that authority not only hinders societal progress but also violates countless human rights, sparking bloody resistance.”
She agreed that freedom and democracy are the cornerstones of human progress. Only in a society of freedom and justice can humanity unleash new vitality and creativity.
She stressed the necessity for unity against any form of authority, defending freedom and rights, striving together for a more just and better world, paving a bright path for the future. ◇