Over 20 civic organizations, including the Association of Chinese Democratic Academies, held the “Thirty-Fifth Anniversary Commemoration of June Fourth – Pursuing Democracy, Fearless and Undaunted” event at the Democracy Boulevard of Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall on June 4th. Participants, including eyewitnesses of the June Fourth event, urged everyone to “join hands to stop the tyranny of the CCP and we will definitely put an end to the totalitarian regime,” emphasizing the need to oppose the CCP regime until it collapses.
The organizers arranged a series of activities for the thirty-fifth anniversary event, starting with a moment of silence lasting 64 seconds at 8:09 p.m. as a tribute to the victims of June Fourth. The organizers announced that the number of participants in this year’s event exceeded 6,000, marking a record high attendance.
The event in Taiwan featured three main segments. The first part included short speeches in support of the cause, with speakers highlighting the importance of remembering the events of June Fourth. Eyewitness Fang Zheng, in a pre-recorded video, shared his harrowing experience of losing his legs in the violent crackdown on protesters in Tiananmen Square 35 years ago. He emphasized the ongoing need for truth and justice for the victims and accountability for the perpetrators.
Another speaker, Zhou Fengsuo, shared his account of the brutal suppression he witnessed at Tiananmen Square as a student at Tsinghua University. He stressed the significance of remembering June Fourth as a reflection of the authoritarian nature of the CCP regime and the threats it poses to freedom and democracy in Hong Kong and Taiwan.
The event also featured the perspective of a former teacher from China’s University of Political Science and Law, Wu Renhua, who recounted his experience of being forcefully removed from Tiananmen Square during the event. He highlighted the ongoing denial of truth and justice by the CCP regarding the June Fourth massacre.
The event also aimed to raise awareness of human rights violations by the Chinese government and the continuous expansion of authoritarian control. Through speeches, performances, and art displays, the event sought to unite people in resisting authoritarian regimes and defending human rights.
Guest speakers, including international figures like Damon Wilson, President of the National Endowment for Democracy in the United States, emphasized the importance of standing together to demand accountability for human rights abuses and push for democratic values in China. They highlighted the persecution faced by activists and dissidents advocating for freedom and democracy in the face of CCP repression.
The event also featured the artwork of Jens Galschiøt and testimonies from individuals who have experienced the consequences of CCP oppression. Their messages underscored the importance of upholding human rights and democracy, while condemning the authoritarian tactics employed by the CCP.
As the event concluded with a candlelit vigil and symbolic displays, the organizers reflected on the growing participation of young people and international supporters in the fight for democracy and human rights. The event stood as a testament to the collective determination to remember the sacrifices made for freedom and democracy, both in Taiwan and around the world.
Through commemorations, speeches, and artistic expressions, the event served as a platform for remembrance, resistance, and advocacy against the ongoing human rights violations perpetuated by the CCP regime. With a renewed commitment to standing up for democratic values and justice, the participants reaffirmed their unwavering support for the cause of freedom and democracy in China and beyond.