US \u2018will not forget June 4\u2019, says Blinken, while Taiwain set to be only part of Chinese-speaking world where public commemorations permitted<\/p>\n
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The victims of China\u2019s bloody crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrators in and around Tiananmen Square 33 years ago will not be forgotten, the US government has said, as Hong Kong warned against unlawful gatherings and Chinese authorities tightened security around the square in Beijing.<\/p>\n
Saturday marks the 33rd anniversary of Chinese troops opening fire to end the student-led unrest in and around the square. Chinese authorities ban any public commemoration of the event on the mainland.<\/p>\n
In a statement on Saturday, Asia time, the US secretary of state, Antony Blinken, termed the crackdown \u201ca brutal assault\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe efforts of these brave individuals will not be forgotten. Each year, we honour and remember those who stood up for human rights and fundamental freedoms.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile many are no longer able to speak up themselves, we and many around the world continue to stand up on their behalf and support their peaceful efforts to promote democracy and the rights of individuals,\u201d Blinken said.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo the people of China and to those who continue to stand against injustice and seek freedom, we will not forget June 4.\u201d<\/p>\n
Speaking on Thursday at a routine news conference in Beijing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian reiterated the government\u2019s standard line about those events.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Chinese government has long ago come to a clear conclusion about the political incident that happened in late 1980s,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n