The 35th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square crackdown in Beijing is approaching, but within China, large-scale commemorations have been quelled by the government. As a result, commemorations outside of China have become crucial for preserving the memory of the tragic event.
Rowena He, a prominent scholar of the Tiananmen Square crackdown, has been traveling between the United States, Britain, and Canada to give talks in honor of those who lost their lives in the 1989 crackdown. The crackdown, in which government troops opened fire on pro-democracy protesters, remains a taboo subject in mainland China. In Hong Kong, the annual vigil that mourned the victims for decades has vanished following the enactment of a China-imposed security law.
As Beijing’s political stance has effectively extinguished large-scale commemorations within its borders, overseas events have become increasingly important for keeping the memory of the Tiananmen crackdown alive. Activities such as talks, rallies, exhibitions, and plays have emerged in countries like the U.S., Britain, Canada, Australia, and Taiwan.
Despite efforts to silence commemorative events, the memories of the Tiananmen Square crackdown continue to endure in the minds of a generation of liberal-minded Chinese. To preserve these memories, a museum dedicated to the event has opened in New York, featuring exhibits such as a blood-stained shirt and a tent used by student protesters.
Overseas memorial events are seen as crucial for reaching a broader audience and inspiring people facing their own challenges in the pursuit of democracy. Theater productions, such as the play “May 35th,” have the power to bring viewers into the story in an intimate way, deepening their connection to the events of the past.
As the 35th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square crackdown approaches, efforts to keep the memory of the event alive continue, despite attempts to silence commemorative activities. Through talks, exhibitions, and theater productions, the legacy of those who lost their lives in 1989 lives on, inspiring future generations to remember and understand the significance of the tragic event.
