TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) on Monday (June 3) urged China to face history on the anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre. 

On the eve of the massacre's 35th anniversary, MAC called on Beijing authorities to “have the courage to confront the historical facts of the ‘June 4th Incident.’” It also urged the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to promote "a comprehensive deepening of reforms” and “enable the people to live better lives."

MAC urged Beijing to adopt a softer and more open attitude, tolerate different opinions and propositions, and listen to the people at the grassroots level who long to pursue freedom, democratic lifestyles, and civil rights. The council emphasized the need for the CCP to take concrete actions to realize a democratic system and safeguard basic human rights, “as this is the modern path to long-term peace and stability.”

The council stressed that the essence of cross-strait relations is a contest of systems and lifestyles and that the universal values of democracy, freedom, and peace are key elements for bridging the gap between people on both sides of the strait. Cross-strait interactions should be based on goodwill and dialogue, said the council.

MAC expressed hope that the Beijing authorities will respect the Taiwanese people's insistence on a democratic and free system and way of life, and understand that, “Taiwan's democratic system is a precious asset shared by both sides of the strait.”