Lessons From The Brave Tank Man In Tiananmen Square

Today marks 37 years since the Tiananmen Square massacre.

That day, in that square, will never be forgotten. It was a moment when the scales fell from the world’s eyes and the true nature of the CCP was further revealed.

The image of one man against many tanks stands as a vivid reminder of the cost of bravery, but also of the necessity and power of moral courage.

One reason why the tank man stands out is because he represents a modern-day David versus Goliath moment where one man sought to take on a whole system.

And while the tank man’s bravery didn’t result in the defeat of the Party, it did inspire generations of individuals in their quest for freedom across China.

I think of Ziba Murat whose mother Gulshan Abbas has been detained by the CCP for nearly eight years simply because she is Uyghur. Ziba’s tireless advocacy on behalf of her mother is an inspiration and a critical reminder of the costs the CCP imposes on American citizens by detaining their family members across China.

I remember Chow Hang-tung, a political prisoner in Hong Kong currently standing trial. Instead of hosting an annual candlelight vigil in remembrance of Tiananmen Square in Victoria Park, she is behind bars for supporting the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong. She bravely used her closing statement to reflect on how and why the CCP will never be the final arbiter in determining right from wrong.

I think of Grace Jin Drexel whose father, a Chinese Christian pastor, Ezra Jin Mingri, has been detained by the CCP along with 17 other pastors and associates of Zion Church since October 2025 simply for sharing the Gospel. Pastor Jin’s own conversion to Christianity was deeply impacted by the events of Tiananmen.

And I think of the Panchen Lama. Abducted at the age of 6 and disappeared along with his mother and father in 1995. It has been 31 years since he was forcibly disappeared by the CCP. His whereabouts remain unknown even today.

There are many lessons that can be gleaned from the tank man’s moral clarity.

First, the tank man reminds us that the desire for freedom runs deep. It transcends every difference as a through line reminding those around the world of their shared humanity and dignity. This is why the image of one man staring down the PLA’s tanks remains salient today – a poignant image seared on our collective conscience.

Second, he reminds us that one man can actually make a difference. He may not have changed a system, but he inspired many others to try. And his own bravery should serve as the foundation for moral courage for those of us with the freedom to advocate for a brighter 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. In the U.S. greater – not fewer – commitments should be made to defend freedom and human rights across China. That means ensuring that the ongoing diplomacy between Trump and Xi results in freedom for political prisoners. It means increasing, not decreasing, funding and support for human rights programming across China that equips people with the technical support and training they need to stand up to the CCP. And it means ensuring that the U.S. government has the tools and political will necessary to defend religious freedom, combat forced labor, fight ongoing atrocity crimes, free political prisoners, offer refugee and asylum safe-haven to the most persecuted, and so much more.

Little is known about that one man who bravely stared down the tanks. Even his fate after his courageous stand down has never been verified. But he is not forgotten. In fact, his legacy lives on through the brave people across China who dream of a brighter future for themselves and for their children.