Overview

• Rubio’s statement described the 1989 crackdown as a brutal suppression that Beijing still censors today, and honored victims as champions of fundamental freedoms.
• The Chinese Foreign Ministry lodged a formal complaint accusing Rubio of maliciously distorting historical facts and interfering in China’s internal affairs.
• Mainland authorities maintain a total ban on public commemorations of the 36th anniversary, and a German embassy candle video was swiftly removed from Weibo.
• In Hong Kong, annual candlelight vigils have been replaced by government-backed patriotism fairs that occupy the traditional vigil sites.
• Activists, including the “Mothers of Tian’anmen,” renewed calls for unrestricted remembrance, a full investigation and compensation as Taiwan’s president pledged solidarity in defending democratic values.