• China criticizes Marco Rubio's remarks on Tiananmen Square as a distortion of facts.
• US Secretary of State commemorates the victims of the 1989 crackdown during a social statement.
• High security measures enforced around Tiananmen Square mark the anniversary of the protests.
• Activists in Hong Kong commemorate the anniversary despite national security restrictions.
• Taiwan's President supports the memory of Tiananmen victims, highlighting differences between democracy and authoritarianism.

China has strongly condemned US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's remarks commemorating the victims of the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown, labeling them a “malicious distortion of historical facts” and a “serious interference” in its internal affairs. The Chinese foreign ministry lodged a formal protest, asserting that the US statements attack China's political system and hinder its development, reflecting long-standing disputes over historical narratives between the two nations, according to Channel News Asia and India Times.

Rubio highlighted the enduring significance of the protests, stating, "Today we commemorate the bravery of the Chinese people who were killed as they tried to exercise their fundamental freedoms." He also asserted that despite China’s efforts to censor information, "the world will never forget" the events of June 4, 1989, as reported by CBS News and South China Morning Post.

Following Rubio's comments, security was notably heightened around Tiananmen Square and Wan'an Cemetery, where victims of the crackdown are believed to be buried. Police presence prevented public memorials, reflecting the Chinese government's ongoing censorship regarding the incident. Activists and commemorations in Hong Kong faced stricter regulations due to the national security law imposed in 2020, which has effectively suppressed public discourse on the subject, according to India Times and Dawn.

Activists in Hong Kong, including jailed lawyer Chow Hang-tung, began a hunger strike to remember the victims while urging the government to apologize over her imprisonment. Chow stated, "The sparks of justice will glow in the hearts of every conscientious person," emphasizing the ongoing struggle for acknowledgment of the atrocities, as reported by CBS News and Channel News Asia.

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te also echoed Rubio's sentiments, reinforcing the idea that "democratic societies choose to preserve the truth" in contrast to authoritarian regimes. His comments highlight significant differences in governance and the perception of historical events, further complicating the China-Taiwan relationship, according to India Times and South China Morning Post.