US Calls on China to Account for Tiananmen on Anniversary

Washington: The United States on Wednesday called on China to account for those killed, detained, or missing in the Tiananmen Square crackdown of 1989, as Washington marked the 25th anniversary of the pro-democracy revolt.

"Twenty-five years ago, the United States deplored the use of violence to silence the voices of the peaceful demonstrators in and around Tiananmen Square," the statement from the White House said.

It comes as tensions simmer between the two countries on issues ranging from alleged hacking by the Chinese military into private US firms to displeasure in Washington with what it calls Beijing's aggressive behavior in the South China Sea.

"Twenty-five years later, the United States continues to honor the memories of those who gave their lives in and around Tiananmen Square and throughout China, and we call on Chinese authorities to account for those killed, detained, or missing in connection with the events surrounding June 4, 1989," it added.

The US government and people welcome China's economic progress over the past decades, and want to maintain good relations, the White House said. But America will not be shy about airing its differences with China, it added.

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The United States, it said, will "urge the Chinese government to guarantee the universal rights and fundamental freedoms that are the birthright of all Chinese citizens."