Taiwan President William Lai Ching-te has affirmed that the tragic events of the Tiananmen Square massacre in 1989 will not be overlooked, even as Hong Kong ramps up police presence to monitor potential commemorative activities.

Tuesday marks the 35th anniversary of when Chinese soldiers forcibly cleared the square, resulting in hundreds, possibly thousands, of deaths, though no official toll has ever been published.

“June 4th will remain etched in history,” Lai stated on Facebook, emphasizing that Taiwan, a self-governed democracy, will strive to preserve this memory against Beijing's claims.

Protesters in Tiananmen Square had sought political reforms and were frustrated by the government's handling of economic issues and corruption. Denounced as "counter-revolutionaries" by party leaders, many fled the country post-crackdown.

Discussing Tiananmen remains forbidden in China's mainland.

Hong Kong used to hold annual memorial vigils at Victoria Park until 2020, which have since been prohibited and their organizers imprisoned.

Recently, eight individuals were detained over alleged sedition related to Tiananmen posts on social media – the first detentions under Hong Kong’s own national security law, enacted in addition to China’s 2020 sweeping security law.

Reports indicate numerous police officers have been stationed at sensitive sites, with some patrolling Victoria Park.

Performance artist Sanmu Chen was briefly detained after air-sketching the date of the crackdown. His lawyer confirmed his release to AFP news agency.

‘The truth must not be erased’

Exiles from China and Hong Kong joined global activists in remembrance activities in Canada, the UK, the US, and elsewhere.

Over 2,000 people, including the city's mayor, attended a vigil in Toronto, while Washington, DC saw a Capitol Hill event. In London, discussions, an exhibition, and a play were organized.

Benedict Rogers of Hong Kong Watch stressed the importance of remembering June 4, urging the global community to honor those who protested in 1989 by ensuring the memory and truth of the event remains alive.

“Democracy and freedom are hard-won,” emphasized Lai, who became Taiwan's president last month. He also pointed out how China has not dismissed the use of force regarding Taiwan, reflecting on military drills conducted around the island post-Lai’s election win.

Highlighting Taiwan's democratic transition from authoritarian rule, Lai insisted that all nations must allow free speech and social dialogue, particularly among the youth, as diversity in opinions fuels societal progress.

Lai concluded by advocating for building consensus through democracy, countering autocracy with freedom, and confronting challenges with unity, thus responding to China's accusations of separatism against him.

Taiwan plans to hold its commemoration of Tiananmen on Tuesday evening.