Former Japanese Diplomat Remembers the Tragic Events of Tiananmen Square
As we mark the 36th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Incident, former Japanese diplomat South Takashi recalls the harrowing images of the events. Hundreds of civilians were brutally killed in the square, with the wounded being carted away, while the People's Liberation Army continued to aim their weapons at their own citizens.
Takashi recounts that he observed the protests twice daily but as martial law was declared, the ordinary citizens began to disappear, leaving only a core group of students and activists. Reports indicate that on June 3, when the military opened fire on demonstrators, the situation had escalated dramatically.
He describes witnessing the PLA storm Tiananmen on the early morning of June 4 and fire upon protestors. The grim scenes remain etched in his memory, especially as soldiers swiftly executed orders to shoot at citizens. He emphasizes that the lessons from Tiananmen are crucial for understanding future Sino-Japanese relations.
