President Lai's First Commemoration of WWII's End: Unity Against Aggression
Commemorating Victory in Europe during World War II
President William Lai is gearing up to make history next week as Taiwan marks the close of World War II in Europe for the first time. This event will serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of unity in the face of aggression, sources reveal.
Taiwan has been on a mission this year to reposition the war as a lesson to China, demonstrating that aggression will only lead to failure. The Taiwanese administration aims to reclaim the narrative from Beijing, which claims it was the communist forces that secured victory.
World War II and the subsequent full-scale Japanese invasion of China in 1937 are sensitive historical subjects in both China and Taiwan. Intriguingly, during this war, the Chinese government, then part of the US and British-led alliance, contributed significantly to the fight against Japan. However, the civil war with Mao Zedong's communists was put on hold during this time, and the Nationalist government eventually retreated to Taiwan in 1949. Taiwan remains officially known as the Republic of China (ROC) to this day.
Four sources, who preferred to remain anonymous, have disclosed that Lai plans to host foreign diplomats and dignitaries in Taipei for a speech about the 80th anniversary of the war's end. This will mark the first time Taiwan formally commemorates the victory of the war in Europe.
With this event, Lai is expected to urge the nation's allies to unite in the face of growing aggression from China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, two sources indicated. The source stated, "The victory in World War II came from the unity of these nations, and it is important to note that aggression must be defeated. All these peace-loving nations must unite."
Lai is likely to highlight that democracies are now facing the same threats to democracy as they did 80 years ago. He may reference examples such as China's military aggression, political coercion, and disinformation campaigns, sources hinted.
The Presidential Office could not be reached for comment regarding these plans.
In response to Taiwan's interpretation of the war and the events it intends to commemorate, the Chinese Foreign Ministry declared that distorting history and spreading misinformation have long been strategies of Taiwan's ruling party. The ministry stated, "Bringing about the reunification of the motherland and national rejuvenation are the best ways to commemorate the victory in the war."
Lai is set to address the world ahead of the military parade in Moscow hosted by Russian President Vladimir Putin, which is set to mark the war's end. This event, according to sources, is likely to be held at the Taipei Guest House, a residence that served as the governor general's residence under Japanese colonial rule, which ended in 1945.
Another source familiar with Lai's event next week revealed that it was also about Taiwan reclaiming the narrative about the war from China. "Lai has a strong sense of history," the source said, referencing comments from Lai, including last year, where he suggested if China were serious about territorial integrity, it should take back land from Russia that was ceded by the last Chinese dynasty in the 19th century.
Insights:
This strategic commemoration not only serves as a historical corrective but also makes a modern geopolitical statement asserting Taiwan's legitimacy and resilience amid rising tensions with China. By emphasizing the ROC's role in the war, Taiwan aims to challenge Beijing's CCP-centric narrative of WWII victory. The event's diplomatic overtures signal Taiwan's efforts to strengthen international recognition and reinforce its alignment with democratic allies. However, these efforts risk further provoking China, which is likely to continue asserting its sovereignty claims over Taiwan.
- President Lai, in his forthcoming event, intends to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe, marking the first such commemoration by Taiwan.
- Lai is expected to invite foreign diplomats and dignitaries to Taipei for a speech, where he will propose unity among nations to counteract growing aggression from China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.
- The Taipei Guest House, a historic residence that served as the governor general's residence under Japanese colonial rule, is anticipated to be the venue for this event.
- This commemoration serves a dual purpose for Taiwan: a historical correction, emphasizing its role in the war, and a geopolitical statement asserting its legitimacy and resilience amid escalating tensions with China.
