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Rubio, Cardin, Merkley Introduce Resolution Commemorating 35th Anniversary of Tiananmen Square Massacre

Jun 4, 2024 | Press Releases

This year marks the 35th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre. 

U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Ben Cardin (D-MD), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) introduced a resolution commemorating the fallen victims of Tiananmen Square. The resolution condemns the Chinese Communist Party’s widespread use of transnational repression against its citizens and activists, as well as its systematic efforts to undermine human rights norms within the United Nations system.

  • “As we commemorate the 35th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre, we reaffirm our commitment to justice and accountability for the countless victims of communist oppression. The regime in China will not be able to erase their memory. Their valor and sacrifice will never be forgotten.” – Senator Rubio
  • “Today, we commemorate the individuals who were killed or injured by PRC authorities during pro-democracy demonstrations in Tiananmen Square 35 years ago. While the PRC’s government tries to erase the events of June 4, 1989, not only in China but around the globe, it will never silence the memory of those who bravely protested for their country’s human rights. The United States and the international community reaffirm our commitment to supporting the aspirations of the Chinese people, accountability for the PRC’s human rights abuses at home and abroad, and countering the PRC’s cynical attempts to redefine human rights in favor of state power. I am proud to have bipartisan support in the introduction of this resolution and reaffirm the United States’ unwavering support for the Chinese people and those who stand up to tyranny and injustice.” – Senator Cardin 
  • “As we mark the 35th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre, we honor all peoples struggling for their fundamental freedoms through peaceful protest. This resolution sends a strong, bipartisan message to the Chinese government that history cannot be erased, and the desire for basic human rights and dignity is universal. We pledge to remember the Tiananmen Square massacre in the U.S. Congress while we work toward a future where the aspirations of those killed and violently suppressed on June 4, 1989, can finally be realized, in China and around the world.” – Senator Merkley

Click here for the full text of the resolution and see below a short video commemorating the anniversary.