The 36th anniversary of the June 4, 1989, Tiananmen Square incident, where pro-democracy protesters were met with deadly force, has sparked renewed tension between China and the West.

Senator Marco Rubio issued a statement Tuesday evening, coinciding with Wednesday morning in China, asserting that the world will not forget the CCP’s suppression and censorship of the events.

Rubio stated, “Today we commemorate the bravery of the Chinese people who were killed as they tried to exercise their fundamental freedoms,” adding that their courage underscores the universal principles of freedom and democracy that the CCP seeks to suppress.

China responded to Rubio’s remarks on Wednesday, accusing him of distorting history.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian accused Rubio of interfering in China’s internal affairs, stating that a formal complaint had been lodged with the U.S. government.

The anniversary marks the Chinese government’s use of the People’s Liberation Army to quell student-led protests advocating for greater freedom.

Tanks were deployed against the unarmed demonstrators.

The exact number of casualties remains unclear, but estimates suggest hundreds, possibly up to 1,000, civilians were killed.

Since the crackdown, the CCP has actively suppressed information about the event through censorship and media restrictions.

Authorities have also responded by increasing security measures in Tiananmen Square and at Wan’an Cemetery, where some victims are buried, according to AFP reports.

Images from Wednesday showed security personnel present in Tiananmen Square, though the area was largely deserted.

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