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 China's communist policies are a "tragedy" for Chinese citizens and an "indicator of the threat" to its international neighbors.

McConnell released a statement Tuesday acknowledging the 70th anniversary of the People's Republic of China and the "many millions of lives lost under Chinese communist rule."

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“The Chinese Communist Party’s methods are not just a tragedy for more than a billion Chinese, who deserve to be treated with more respect and granted more freedoms by their rulers in Beijing," McConnell said in the statement. "They are also a telling indicator of the threat the PRC poses to its neighbors."

The Senate majority leader also recognized the pro-democracy protesters that have taken to the streets of Hong Kong since June and denounced China's reaction to the protests.

"I especially condemn the continued use of violence against democratic activists in Hong Kong," he said. "It is darkly fitting that on the 70th anniversary of the PRC, its agents would be reduced to using force against protesters in Hong Kong who seek to preserve basic personal freedoms."

McConnell's statement comes after a protester was critically shot when police in Hong Kong fired a live round at protesters for the first time after months of demonstrations

It also comes after 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 tweeted congratulatory remarks toward China and its President Xi Jinping.

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

Other Republican lawmakers recognized the anniversary solemnly, including Rep. 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.) who said the anniversary was "not a day for celebration."