A Beijing protester blocks the path of a tank convoy along the Avenue of Eternal Peace near Tiananmen Square. For weeks, people have been protesting the Chinese government’s freedom of speech and press.
Getty Images
Today marks the 37th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre.
That day, in that square, will never be forgotten. It was a moment when the scales fell from the eyes of the people and the true nature of the CCP was further revealed.
The image of one man against many tanks is a vivid reminder of the cost of bravery, but also of the necessity and power of moral courage.
One reason Tank Man stands out is because it represents a modern David vs. Goliath moment where one man tried to take on an entire system.
And while the tank man’s bravery did not result in the defeat of the Party, it inspired generations of individuals in their quest for freedom across China.
I think of Zimba Murat whose mother Gulshan Abbas has been detained by the CCP for almost eight years simply because she is a Uyghur. Zimba’s tireless defense on behalf of her mother is an inspiration and a critical reminder of the cost the CCP imposes on American citizens by detaining their family members throughout China.
I am reminded of Chow Hang Tung, a political prisoner in Hong Kong who is currently on trial. Instead of holding an annual Tiananmen Square candlelight vigil in Victoria Park, he is behind bars for supporting the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong. He used it bravely final statement to consider how and why the CCP will never be the final arbiter of right from wrong.
I think of Grace Jin Drexel whose father, a Chinese Christian pastor, Ezra Gene Mingryhas been detained by the CCP along with 17 other Zion Church pastors and associates since October 2025 simply for sharing the Gospel. Pastor Jin’s own conversion to Christianity was deeply affected by the Tiananmen events.
And I think about it Panchen Lama. He was kidnapped at the age of 6 and disappeared with his mother and father in 1995. It has been 31 years since he was forcibly disappeared by the CCP. His whereabouts even today remain unknown.
There are many lessons to be learned from the moral clarity of the tank.
First, the tank man reminds us that the desire for freedom runs deep. It transcends all difference as a through line that reminds the whole world of their common humanity and dignity. This is why the image of a man staring at PLA tanks remains prominent today – a poignant image stuck in our collective consciousness.
Second, it reminds us that one man can really make a difference. It may not have changed a system, but it has inspired many others to try. And his own bravery should serve as a foundation for moral courage for those of us who have the freedom to advocate for a better future for people across China.
Third, there are things that can be done today to ensure that the tank man’s bravery is not in vain. Greater – not fewer – commitments must be made in the US to defend freedom and human rights across China. That means continued diplomacy between Trump and Xi will result freedom of political prisoners. It means increase, not decrease, funding and support for human rights programming across China that equips people with the technical support and training they need to resist the CCP. And it means the U.S. government has the tools and political will to defend religious freedom, fight forced labor, fight ongoing atrocity crimes, free political prisoners, provide safe haven for refugees and asylum for the most persecuted, and more.
Little is known about the man who bravely looked at the tanks. Even his fate after his courageous resignation has never been ascertained. But it is not forgotten. In fact, his legacy lives on through the brave people across China who dream of a better future for themselves and their children.
