Taiwan is calling on China to face up to the “truth” of the Tiananmen Square protests and carry out political reform. That comes as Taiwan remembers the victims of the bloody crackdown almost 33 years to the day since military forces stormed Beijing.
Tiananmen Square in the historic center of China’s capital was gripped by massive pro-democracy demonstrations in early 1989. Then, on June 4, government forces fought their way into the city and forcibly suppressed the movement.
Immediately after the violence, China said about 300 people had died. But other estimates suggest thousands were killed.
On Friday, Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council said the only pragmatic way for China to solve its present problems is for the country to embrace democracy.
The council also called on China to respect the will of Taiwan’s people regarding Taiwan’s national sovereignty and peace in the Taiwan Strait.