Taiwan's WWII Commemoration: Remembering the Republic's Role

Taiwan is using the 80th anniversary of World War Two's end to highlight its historic role in the conflict and current need to defend against Chinese threats. The Republic of China government, now based in Taiwan, emphasizes its contribution to the war effort before fleeing to Taiwan in 1949.

Taiwan is gearing up to leverage this year's events marking the 80th anniversary of World War Two's conclusion to strengthen public resolve against Chinese threats. The island nation will commemorate its historical role, asserting it was not the Beijing government but the Republic of China that fought in the war.

World War Two remains a contentious historical issue for both China and Taiwan. The world war followed the full-scale Japanese invasion of China in 1937, with the Republic of China shouldering much of the conflict against Japan. Post-war, the republican government retreated to Taiwan after losing to Mao Zedong's Communist forces.

Taiwan's Defence Ministry official Lou Woei-jye emphasized that this year's commemorations, comprising exhibitions and concerts, will focus on themes of resisting invasion and safeguarding the homeland. He underscored Taiwan's current challenges from Beijing, reaffirming the Republic of China's legacy in World War Two, even as China prepares for its own commemorations.

(With inputs from agencies.)