WASHINGTON: The United States urged China on Wednesday to account for the victims of the Tiananmen Square crackdown 25 years ago, but Beijing accused Washington of blaming its government "for no reason."
The anniversary of the 1989 incident comes amid simmering tensions between the two countries on issues ranging from alleged hacking by the Chinese military into private US firms to Washington's disquiet with what it calls Beijing's aggressive behavior in the South China Sea.
"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," a White House statement said.
"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."
'Total disregard of fact':
Beijing rejected Washington's "total disregard of fact," accusing it of interfering in Chinese domestic politics.
"It blames the Chinese government for no reason, gravely interferes in China's internal affairs and violates the basic norms guiding international relation," Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said.
Hong said China was "strongly dissatisfied with and firmly opposed" to the White House statement and Obama's mention in a speech of how "tanks were crushing peaceful democracy protests in Tiananmen Square" on that fateful day.
"We have lodged solemn representations to the US side," Hong added. Although welcoming China's economic progress and seeking to maintain good relations, the White House said America will not be shy about airing its differences with China.
The United States will "urge the Chinese government to guarantee the universal rights and fundamental freedoms that are the birthright of all Chinese citizens," it added.
In a separate statement, US Secretary of State John Kerry called for the release of all those serving prison sentences in connection with the events of a quarter century ago.
The top US diplomat also urged an end to "the ongoing pattern of harassment, detention and official retribution against those who participated in the demonstrations, their family members, and those who continue to bravely speak out."
"Continued progress will be defined by openness not just to the world, but to the voices and diverse perspectives of China's citizens," Kerry said.
"Open discussion and examination of the events of 1989 and a full public accounting of those killed, detained or missing would be a sign of strength and healing, not weakness and division."
Hong, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, said "clear conclusions have been reached on the political incident," according to the Xinhua news agency.
"Hong urged the United States to abandon political bias, stop using the so-called human rights issues to interfere in China's internal affairs and take concrete actions to maintain the development of China-US relationship," it added.
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