Foreign consulates in Hong Kong, including ones of the US, UK, and EU shared tributes to the Tiananmen dead on the 33rd anniversary of the crackdown, as they ignored warnings from Beijing’s foreign office.

“Today, Canada joins Hong Kong and others remembering the tragic events of #June4, 1989, when peaceful demonstrators were violently suppressed in and around #TiananmenSq. Assembling peacefully is a human right, Canada stands with all those prevented from exercising their rights,” said the Consulate General of Canada in Hong Kong and Macao.

European Union Office said the 27-member bloc stands in solidarity with human rights defenders across the globe. “In commemoration of the 33rd anniversary of the #TiananmenSquare crackdown on #June 4 1989. The European Union always stands in solidarity with human rights defenders across the globe,” the European Union Office said.

The UK consulate shared a post on Facebook. “Freedom to debate, discuss and disagree is fundamental to learning the lessons of the past. As an eyewitness in Beijing during 1989 to a moment of history, each year on 4 June I reflect as well as remember,” wrote Brian Davidson, the British consul-general.

The US Department of State also issued a press statement on the 33rd Anniversary of Tiananmen Square.