President Trump Donald John TrumpFederal prosecutor speaks out, says Barr 'has brought shame' on Justice Dept. Former Pence aide: White House staffers discussed Trump refusing to leave office Progressive group buys domain name of Trump's No. 1 Supreme Court pick MORE on Tuesday congratulated the People's Republic of China on its 70th anniversary in a sharp contrast from several Republican lawmakers who decried the legacy of the country's communist rule.

Tuesday marked 70 years since Mao Zedong established the People's Republic of China after communist forces won a civil war in the country.

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Trump congratulated Chinese President Xi Jinping on the anniversary on Twitter.

Congratulations to President Xi and the Chinese people on the 70th Anniversary of the People’s Republic of China! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 1, 2019

Several Republican lawmakers took a more adversarial tone than Trump in recognizing the anniversary, choosing instead to highlight the country's human rights abuses.

"I will pass," Rep. Chip RoyCharles (Chip) Eugene RoyRon Paul hospitalized in Texas Pelosi must go — the House is in dire need of new leadership GOP lawmakers want answers from Disney on Mulan, China MORE (R-Texas) tweeted in response to Trump.

House Republican Conference Chairwoman Liz Cheney Elizabeth (Liz) Lynn CheneyGOP lawmakers distance themselves from Trump comments on transfer of power Graham vows GOP will accept election results after Trump comments Liz Cheney promises peaceful transfer of power: 'Fundamental to the survival of our Republic' MORE (R-Wyo.) issued a somber statement saying it was "not a day for celebration."

"Since its founding, the People’s Republic of China has deprived its citizens of their fundamental human rights and human dignity," Cheney said.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell Addison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnellDemocratic senator to party: 'A little message discipline wouldn't kill us' House to vote on resolution affirming peaceful transition of power Republican lawyers brush off Trump's election comments MORE (R-Ky.) said in a statement that the Chinese Communist Party's methods are "not just a tragedy for more than a billion Chinese," but "also a telling indicator of the threat the PRC poses to its neighbors."

Sen. Ben Sasse Benjamin (Ben) Eric SasseWhy a backdoor to encrypted data is detrimental to cybersecurity and data integrity McEnany says Trump will accept result of 'free and fair election' McConnell pushes back on Trump: 'There will be an orderly transition' MORE (R-Neb.) and Sen. Tom Cotton Tom Bryant CottonThe Hill's 12:30 Report: Trump stokes fears over November election outcome The Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by Facebook - Trump previews SCOTUS nominee as 'totally brilliant' Abortion stirs GOP tensions in Supreme Court fight MORE (R-Ark.), a staunch Trump ally, cited China's ongoing crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong as evidence of the country's repressive government.

"The Butchers of Beijing celebrate 70 years of communist tyranny by shooting a student marching for freedom in Hong Kong," Cotton tweeted. "What a sadly appropriate way to mark a dark, lamentable anniversary."

The Butchers of Beijing celebrate 70 years of communist tyranny by shooting a student marching for freedom in Hong Kong. What a sadly appropriate way to mark a dark, lamentable anniversary. https://t.co/UbC3qQDKTV — Tom Cotton (@TomCottonAR) October 1, 2019

Trump has made his relationship with China a cornerstone of his administration as he seeks a trade agreement with Beijing. The president previously delayed the implementation of increased tariffs on Chinese goods as a gesture of goodwill toward China.

Trump drew criticism for his response to protests in Hong Kong, where demonstrators have flooded the streets and other public places. The president has urged China to resolve the issue peacefully, but has not delivered a full-throated statement of support of the protesters.

He has also claimed that ongoing trade negotiations have helped limit potential violence.

Hong Kong police shot one protester in the chest during a demonstration on Tuesday, according to multiple reports.

"This is what 70 years of Communist rule looks like in China—freedom is trampled and dissent is silenced," House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy Kevin Owen McCarthyHouse to vote on resolution affirming peaceful transition of power Ginsburg becomes the first woman to lie in state in the Capitol McCarthy says there will be a peaceful transition if Biden wins MORE (R-Calif.) tweeted Tuesday afternoon, citing the shooting.

Some Trump administration officials, such as Secretary of State Mike Pompeo Michael (Mike) Richard PompeoWatchdog confirms State Dept. canceled award for journalist who criticized Trump Trump's push for win with Sudan amps up pressure on Congress Putin nominated for Nobel Peace Prize MORE, have spoken out about China's human rights abuses specifically related to Uighur Muslims.

Updated at 4:24 p.m.