A Call for Global Unity

President Lai used the occasion to highlight shared challenges between Taiwan and Europe, stating that both are facing the threat of new totalitarian groups together. He urged freedom-loving countries to unite and cooperate, to ensure that the ambitions of the invaders have no chance to take advantage of.

Commemorating a Pivotal Moment

The event,held on Thursday,May 8,marked Taiwan’s first official commemoration of the end of the european theater of World War II. Foreign envoys from the European Union and the United Kingdom were among the attendees.

In his address, President Lai outlined three key reasons for commemorating the victory:

• The pursuit of true peace hinges on the determination to protect freedom and democracy.
• National advancement is intrinsically linked to freedom and democracy.
• Peace must be cherished, and aggression must not be taken lightly.

Taiwan’s Appeal to Europe

President Lai directly appealed for European support, stressing the common ground between Taiwan and Europe in confronting contemporary threats. He reiterated the necessity for global cooperation among freedom-supporting nations to thwart potential aggressors.

Scholarly Perspectives and Ancient Context

Though, some scholars have noted the complexities of discussing World War II from taiwan’s outlook, given its historical context.Yan Zhensheng, a researcher at the National customs Center of Taiwan University of Political science, observed that if we want to position or review the history of World War II, we must talk about Japan, Germany and italy, and we cannot avoid it.

Yan Zhensheng further elaborated on the challenges: Moreover, it is indeed embarrassing to talk about this history from Taiwan, because taiwan belonged to Japan at that time, and some Taiwanese troops were sent to mainland China and Southeast Asia to participate in the war. It may be explained that Taiwan did not voluntarily invade Southeast Asia.If we apologize for the harm to Southeast asia at that time,it can better demonstrate Lai Ching-te’s height.

China’s Perspective and Counter-Narrative

President Lai’s speech coincided with a visit by mainland chinese leader Xi Jinping to Russia, where he attended the Red Square military parade with Russian president Putin on Friday, May 9.

Prior to the visit, Xi Jinping published an article in a Russian newspaper, asserting that Taiwan’s return to China is an significant part of the victory of World War II and the post-war international order. He referenced the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation as documents confirming China’s sovereignty over Taiwan, stating that its historical and legal facts are unquestionable, and the authority of UN General Assembly resolution 2758 cannot be challenged.

Xi Jinping’s article concluded with a firm declaration: No matter how the situation on Taiwan island changes, no matter how external forces make trouble, China will eventually be unified and will inevitably be unstoppable for the historical trend of unification.

Taiwan’s Response to China’s Claims

In response to Xi Jinping’s assertions, Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council spokesman Liang Wenjie clarified that when the cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation were included in 1943, the People’s Republic of China did not exist. He emphasized that Taiwan was indeed handed over to the “Republic of China” after World War II, which is also the reason why the “Republic of China” has a legal status in Taiwan,” asserting that Taiwan belongs to the republic of China.

Liang Wenjie further stated that UN General Assembly resolution 2758 did not mention Taiwan, but only said the legitimacy of expelling Chiang Kai-shek’s regime and its representation of china, did not mention Taiwan’s ownership, nor did the right to represent Taiwan to the People’s republic of China.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also criticized the article for distorting historical and legal facts, reversing right and wrong, and misleading international audiences.