Tiananmen Anniversary: Silence in Beijing, “Down with the Communist Party” Echoes Worldwide

On June 2, hundreds of members from the China Democracy Party and multiple pro-democracy groups organised a Tiananmen Massacre memorial rally and march in New York City. (Photos taken on-site by People News)

[People News] It has now been 36 years since the Tiananmen Square Massacre shocked the world. In the lead-up to this year’s anniversary, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) once again imposed tight security and strict control over dissidents without exception. In contrast, memorial activities commemorating June 4th have been held fervently around the world. On June 2, hundreds from the China Democracy Party and other pro-democracy organisations rallied and marched in New York, with chants like “Down with the Communist Party” and “Xi Jinping Step Down” resounding through the air.

At the rally near the Chinese consulate along the Hudson River in New York, slogans such as “Down with the Communist Party” and “Xi Jinping Step Down” drew the attention of many passersby. During the event commemorating the 36th anniversary of June 4th, members of the China Democracy Party took to the stage with speeches and poetry readings to expose the CCP’s tyranny. The atmosphere was charged with slogans like “Overthrow the Communist Party,” “Down with Xi Jinping,” “Never Forget June Fourth,” “Blood Debts Must Be Paid,” “China Belongs to the People,” “Freedom Belongs to the People,” “Freedom Will Prevail,” and “END CCP,” all echoing across the Hudson. Renminbao reporters attended and documented the event.

That same day, the China Democracy Party and other groups held another powerful memorial event and march in Flushing, New York. Attendees included prominent democracy activists and Tiananmen Massacre witnesses such as Wang Juntao, Hu Ping, Zhang Lin, and Shao Jun; the widow of June 4th political prisoner Li Jinhong, Zhang Yan; and a large number of young people who have immigrated from mainland China in recent years. Countless banners filled the streets with messages such as “Never Forget June Fourth, Overthrow Tyranny,” “The CCP is Humanity’s Greatest Enemy,” “Overthrow Tyranny, Eliminate the Communist Party,” “CCP = Enemy of Humanity,” and “Crack Down on CCP Influence in the U.S., Completely Block CCP Infiltration,” all drawing the eyes of local Chinese residents. Renminbao reporters were present to cover the event.

This year, commemorative activities marking the 36th anniversary of June 4th are being passionately held around the world, spreading the ideals of freedom and democracy.

On June 2, a June Fourth Memorial Hall was inaugurated in Los Angeles, featuring a wall listing the names of massacre victims.

In the UK, several cities held commemorative events. A candlelight vigil outside the Chinese Embassy in London called for remembrance and resistance to tyranny. Similar events were held in Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, and other cities.

In Canada, Toronto and Vancouver hosted candlelight vigils and marches to mourn the Tiananmen victims.

Australia’s cities—including Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide—held a variety of commemorations, including photo exhibitions, forums, and candlelight vigils.

In Taiwan, Taipei’s Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Democracy Boulevard, and the 228 Peace Park held evening vigils and talks, honouring the victims and calling for accountability from the CCP.

Japan’s capital, Tokyo, hosted six separate activities, including memorials and performances, to remember the victims and raise awareness of human rights issues in China.

Why Continue Holding June 4th Memorials for 36 Years?

Wang Chaohua, a student leader of the 1989 Tiananmen Movement, stated that historical events shape collective memory and guide people toward a better future. This, she said, is the essential significance of continuing to commemorate June 4th. Speaking at the opening of the Los Angeles memorial hall and in an interview with Central News Agency, she emphasised that under the CCP’s strict information control, many young Chinese people today know little about what really happened on June 4th. That is why it's vital to continue these commemorations each year, even under difficult circumstances abroad, to preserve the memory of June Fourth.

In stark contrast, within China, despite widespread fiscal strain, the Beijing authorities have not reduced their stability-maintenance efforts around the June 4th period. According to Radio Free Asia, many dissidents—including Gao Yu, Ji Feng, Wu Qiang, Pu Zhiqiang, He Depu, and Cha Jianguo—were subjected to restrictions on personal freedom starting May 30. Once again, the authorities rolled out tactics like “forced travel,” “house arrest,” and “tea talks” (interrogations).

Even under such a high alert, an unusual incident occurred in Tiananmen Square on June 2. During the flag-raising ceremony at dawn, a man dressed in black suddenly leapt over the barricade and ran toward the flagpole just as the ceremony was ending. He was quickly tackled and taken away by several uniformed and plainclothes security personnel.