[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 92 (Tuesday, June 5, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E773]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  COMMEMORATING THE 29TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TIANANMEN SQUARE MASSACRE

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 5, 2018

  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of the 1989 
massacre in Tiananmen Square, Beijing.
  Today marks the 29th anniversary of what is deemed to be the greatest 
challenge to the communist state in China since the 1949 revolution.
  We pause to remember the hundreds of civilians who risked their lives 
for democracy on June 4, 1989 and gave the last full measure of 
devotion in service to the cause of freedom.
  The Chinese army shot unarmed civilians, mostly students, who 
participated in a 7-week peaceful protest to urge for democratic reform 
in the midst of widespread government corruption.
  Local residents who did not engage in the protests but assisted 
injured protestors likewise were mercilessly shot.
  The inhumane violence and slaughter of innocent citizens shocked the 
world.
  President George W. Bush strongly condemned the use of force, and 
British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher said that she was appalled by 
the massacre.
  As the leading country of the free world and international community 
the United States has always promoted democratic governance and 
economic liberty as its key pillars.
  Our enduring and unyielding commitment to democracy and peace makes 
it imperative for us to remember the victims of the Tiananmen Square 
Massacre and continually rebuke the use of violence by governmental 
actors against peaceful protesters whenever and wherever it happens.

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