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Taiwan continues to support fight for freedom in China

Taiwan held low-key discussions yesterday to commemorate the massacre of hundreds of pro-democracy students in Beijing's Tiananmen Square on June 4, 1989.

The Mainland Affairs Council said it would continue to support the fight for freedom and democracy in China.

"China has made achievements in economic reform, but has yet to achieve democracy. Our government is willing to provide support," the council said in a statement.

Taiwan held two gatherings yesterday to remember the June 4, 1989 carnage, and to discuss the future of political reform in China.

At one discussion, Kao Hui, professor at the Chinese Culture University, said young people in China these days are only concerned about personal development, ensuring a large-scale pro-democracy protest similar to the 1989 movement will not happen again.

"Many mainlanders believe China can create a China-style democracy, and the demand for Western-style democracy is no longer strong," he said.

Taipei Mayor Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) said Taiwan will not reunify with China until China acknowledges its wrongdoing.

"The focus of the June 4th incident is the protection of human rights. That will not change with the passing of time," Ma said.

Meanwhile although mainland China has made substantial progress in economic freedom, it has stalled on political reforms, a Chinese dissident in exile said.

Wang Dan, a student leader at the mass protest on June 4, 1989, made the remarks during a seminar on the eve of anniversary of the bloody massacre.

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HK civil liberties gradually erode
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