WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asian and Pacific Affairs, issued the following statement to recognize the twenty-fifth anniversary of the crackdown on dissidents in Tiananmen Square.

“June 4 marks a painful history for many within China and around the world. The images of Tiananmen Square on that day, 25 years ago, are seared into our memory.  We hope the tragedy of the events can be the foundation for an accounting of and discussion of the past and modern-day reforms that will ensure that these events are never repeated. A quarter century later, it is disappointing that more progress has not been made and that individuals associated with the events continue to face harassment and imprisonment.”

“On this important anniversary, we must continue to voice our concerns on restrictions and abuses against freedom of speech, internet freedom, freedom of association, and persecution of religious and ethnic minorities in China.

“As Chair of the Subcommittee on East Asian and Pacific Affairs, I support a growing and robust bilateral relationship with China. But we cannot do this without placing a priority on human rights, and I will continue to elevate these issues.  I hope to look back on the next twenty-five years as an era that brought peace and healing through open dialogue, sustainable reforms, and a deep respect of fundamental human rights.”

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