Shaheen, Risch Statement on the 37th Anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Jim Risch (R-ID), Ranking Member and Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released a statement recognizing the 37th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre.

"Thirty-seven years ago, pro-democracy protests drew hundreds of thousands of Chinese citizens to Tiananmen Square. Many of these protestors-students, workers and even Chinese Communist party members-risked their lives to advocate for a freer and more democratic China. We honor the bravery of those who tragically lost their lives on this day in 1989.

"In remembering those that were killed in Tiananmen Square, let us also remember that this massacre continues to define the Chinese Communist Party today. Though its tactics may look different, the Chinese Communist Party's primary goal remains to control-whether it be thought, speech, movement or faith.

"In the years since the Tiananmen massacre, China has continued to crush and silence dissent inside its borders and abroad. Just this week, it was reported that police in Beijing prevented relatives of those killed at Tiananmen Square from visiting the resting place of their deceased loved ones. China also suppresses religious and ethnic minorities including Tibetan Buddhists and Uyghur Muslims. It continues to tighten its vice grip on Hong Kong and to menace Taiwan.

"As we remember the victims of the Tiananmen massacre on this solemn day, the United States must continue to hold China accountable for its horrific actions on that day, its ongoing violations of internationally recognized human rights and its transnational repression, including on U.S. soil."

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