Taiwan remarks on war anniversary criticized

A Chinese mainland spokeswoman on Friday condemned Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te for a complete abandonment of national stance and deliberately disregard for the historical facts of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-1945). 

The comments came after Lai on Friday made remarks which allegedly propagate an erroneous view of World War II history and promote the narrative of "democracy versus authoritarianism".

The remarks came on the 80th anniversary of Japan's unconditional surrender, which marked the end of World War II. 

Zhu Fenglian, spokeswoman for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, accused Lai of distorting history by substituting concepts and confusing right and wrong. She asserted that his rhetoric supported a false narrative of "democracy versus authoritarianism" and promotes separatist "Taiwan independence" ideology, which ultimately aims to achieve "independence" through military means and foreign support.

She said the recovery of Taiwan to the embrace of the motherland was the result of the united struggle of the entire nation, including the compatriots in Taiwan, and it is an important part of the victory outcomes of World War II, and the post-war international order.

Zhu warned Lai that any attempt to distort this history would be in vain, any actions challenging the post-war international order would be self-defeating, and any schemes to divide the nation were delusional.

She expressed hope that compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Straits would remember history, honor the martyrs, uphold national righteousness, safeguard the fruits of victory, and firmly oppose "Taiwan independence" and external interference.

Zhangyi1@chinadaily.com.cn