Taiwan Confronts China with Message of WWII Victory and Defense of Democracy Amid Rising Aggression

Taiwan Confronts China with Message of WWII Victory and Defense of Democracy Amid Rising Aggression
[Taipei, May 2, 2025] – Reuters Report

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te will, for the first time next week, commemorate the end of World War II in Europe, using the occasion to deliver a strong message that aggression must be defeated—a statement coming as Taiwan faces increasing military pressure from China.

Since the beginning of this year, Taiwan has been working to frame the war as a lesson—sending a clear signal to China that aggression leads to failure, and also challenging the narrative that only China's communist forces contributed to the war victory.

World War II, and particularly Japan's full-scale invasion of China in 1937 before the war officially began in 1939, is a historically sensitive subject for both Taiwan and China.

At that time, the Republic of China—then the legitimate government of all of China—was part of the Allied Powers led by the United States and Britain, and led much of the fight against Japan. During the war, it temporarily halted its civil conflict with Mao Zedong’s communist forces. After losing the Chinese civil war in 1949, the Republic of China relocated to Taiwan, and to this day, Taiwan retains the official name “Republic of China.”

According to four sources who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity, President Lai will welcome foreign diplomats and dignitaries in Taipei on Thursday and will deliver remarks marking the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII in Europe. It will be the first time Taiwan officially commemorates the Allied victory in Europe.

In his speech, Lai is expected to clearly state that in the face of aggressive regimes like those in China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, democratic nations must stand united.

“Victory in World War II came through unity. Today, that unity is needed again—to stop aggression. Peace-loving nations must stand together.”

He may remind the world that democracy is still under threat, just as it was 80 years ago.

When asked about Taiwan’s planned commemoration, China’s Foreign Ministry responded with a statement saying,

“Distorting history, misrepresenting facts, and spreading lies are old tactics of Taiwan’s ruling party. True honor for the war victory lies in national reunification and rejuvenation of the motherland.”

The day after Lai’s speech, Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a military parade in Moscow to mark the end of World War II, with Chinese President Xi Jinping expected to attend.

Beijing claims Taiwan as its own territory, though Taipei rejects that claim.

The event will be held at the Taipei Guest House, a historic building that served as the residence of the Japanese Governor-General during the colonial era. Japan’s rule over Taiwan ended in 1945.

Since taking office last May, President Lai has been labeled a "separatist" by Beijing. However, Lai has stated that Taiwan’s future will be decided solely by its people.