Thirty-six years after the tragic events of June 4, 1989, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has issued a strong condemnation of the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) violent suppression of pro-democracy protests in Tiananmen Square. In a poignant social media post, Rubio remembered the victims and underscored the enduring significance of the event.

“We remember the Chinese Communist Party’s brutal crackdown 36 years ago in Tiananmen Square and commemorate the courage of the innocent people killed and imprisoned that day. Freedom, democracy, and self-rule are human principles the CCP cannot erase,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Beyond his social media statement, Rubio also released a formal State Department statement. This statement not only honored the students who bravely stood for freedom but also directly criticized the CCP for its ongoing censorship and human rights abuses. It highlighted how the initial pro-democracy demonstrations, which began in the spring of 1989, quickly evolved into a nationwide movement, showcasing the widespread desire for change within China.

Rubio’s powerful words serve as a stark reminder of the CCP’s actions and a testament to the enduring fight for freedom and human rights around the globe. The anniversary continues to resonate deeply, prompting global reflection on the importance of upholding these fundamental principles.