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China slammed US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo for his comments about the Tiananmen Square massacre, claiming they were made “out of prejudice and arrogance,” as it stepped up security there for Tuesday’s 30th anniversary of the pro-democracy protests.

Pompeo on Monday pushed China to make “a full, public accounting of those killed or missing” in 1989, saying this would “give comfort to the many victims of this dark chapter of history,” which left hundreds, and perhaps thousands, dead.

“Such a step would begin to demonstrate the Communist Party’s willingness to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms,” he said.

A Chinese Embassy spokesman responded, saying, “Under the pretext of human rights, the statement grossly intervenes in China’s internal affairs, attacks its system, and smears its domestic and foreign policies,” the spokesman said.

The spokesman added: “This is an affront to the Chinese people and a serious violation of international law and basic norms governing international relations.”

“The Chinese side expresses its strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to it,” the spokesman said. “The Chinese government and people reached the verdict on the political incident of the late 1980s long ago.”

“Over the past four decades of reform and opening up, China has enjoyed rapid economic and social development, continuous progress in democracy and the rule of law, flourishing culture and significantly improved standards of living. China’s human rights are in the best period ever.”

On Tuesday, street closures and additional checkpoints were set up before the square’s daily flag-raising ceremony.

With Post wires

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