On the 37th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre today, President William Lai (賴清德) wrote on Facebook and X that he hopes China can face the June 4 incident, acknowledge the truth and work to heal the wounds it left behind.
A country’s might is not decided by its size or its military strength, but is determined by whether its people are free, are respected and can strive toward a better life, he said.
In 37 years, a newborn baby can become an adult, build a family, establish a career and move toward a bright future, but 37 years ago today, thousands of young people, filled with hope and ideas, were killed on the streets of Beijing, Lai said.
Photo: George Tsorng, Taipei Times
They were ruthlessly shot and crushed by tanks as the army moved to suppress and kill young protesters in Tiananmen Square, he said.
What was lost that day was not just the lives of young activists protesting for democracy, but an entire generation’s hope for freedom and democracy in China, Lai said.
A great and powerful country should not focus on aggressive military action, but should hear the voices of all of its citizens and allow them to pursue their dreams, while bravely facing the tragedies of the past, he said.
Lai said he hopes China can begin reconciliation and dialogue, allow its citizens to speak freely and openly, and let the next generation, regardless of their political beliefs, participate in public discourse.
In particular, young Chinese people’s voices need to be heard, because they are the future and the strength that can drive the nation forward, he added.
A government and society should support the next generation to achieve a better life than the generation before them, and it should not use violence or surveillance to silence their opinions, Lai said.
Lai said he attended a discussion last week with high-school students, where their bright ideas and youthful energy made him hopeful for Taiwan’s future.
The government this week announced a new set of policies to combat Taiwan’s aging population that would offer childrearing subsidies, improve childcare support, implement education initiatives and create a more family-friendly workplace, he said.
In that way, Taiwan is investing in its young people and supporting the next generation, he added.
Taiwan would stand shoulder to shoulder with anyone around the world seeking democracy, Lai said.
Only when we face the truth can we work to heal the wounds of the past and ensure that no one is killed for fighting for their freedom, he added.
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