Yesterday marked the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. It was also Armed Forces Day and All-out National Defense Education Day.
Since March, the Ministry of National Defense has organized a series of commemorative events around the theme of resisting aggression and defending the homeland, including concerts and exhibitions. Among these, the special edition of the popular snack Kuaikuai (乖乖) with army-themed packaging stood out for its creativity.
The package design features a reference to the 1937 Defense of Sihang Warehouse — a battle in which 400 Chinese soldiers held out at a warehouse for four days and nights to allow other troops to retreat and continue the fight against Japan — and has a timeline of the war on the back.
The item even caught the attention of the Japanese media and was covered by the Mainichi Shimbun, prompting online comments such as: “It was the ROC [Republic of China] — today’s Taiwanese government — that fought against Japan, not the Chinese Communist Party [CCP].”
We cherish times of peace and wish to commemorate WWII solemnly. That being said, history cannot be erased — throughout those eight years of bloody warfare, the Chinese Nationalist Party’s (KMT) National Revolutionary Army served as the main fighting force. Although the CCP had a temporary truce with the KMT to resist the Japanese invasion, it largely prioritized strengthening its own power, sometimes even launching surprise attacks on nationalist troops fighting on the front lines.
China yesterday held a large military parade to commemorate the anniversary of the war’s end, inviting leaders from authoritarian states such as Russia, Iran and North Korea — a loose, anti-Western alliance. Moreover, Beijing has conflated the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII, the UN’s 80th anniversary and the 80th anniversary of the “retrocession” of Taiwan, referring to them as the “three 80th anniversaries” in an attempt to seize control over the historical narrative and launch its international information warfare. Such maneuvers are truly ironic.
History is made up of objective facts that must not be distorted. The historical truth of WWII is clear — the ROC was the backbone of the resistance. Today, the CCP is attempting to claim legitimacy and the power to define the narrative through tactics such as displays of military force and legal battles. Yet, this only serves to reflect its deep-rooted anxiety over its own status.
On Tuesday, I attended a seminar by the Taipei-based Taiwan Thinktank titled: “Chinese PLA Threats and Taiwan’s Strategic Response.” The seminar clearly outlined the possible timing, tactics and military capabilities the CCP might employ in a potential attack on Taiwan. However, what was surprising was that a member of the audience questioned the government’s aim to raise the national defense budget — they even suggested that “communication” should replace military preparedness.
This was immediately and firmly refuted by one of the panelists, who said,: “Of course, the two sides of the Taiwan Strait can communicate, but communication must be backed by strength.”
Another expert added: “Only through strength can there be peace, and only with peace can there be dialogue.”
These words were truly a wake-up call.
History serves as the best mirror. We should draw lessons from WWII and embrace the four core principles of defending the ROC, uniting the military and civilians in resisting the enemy, encouraging youth to step forward to safeguard the nation, and fighting alongside our allies. Only through military-civilian unity and nationwide support for national defense would the world clearly see Taiwan’s resolve to defend its sovereignty. This is the most meaningful way to commemorate the anniversary of the ROC’s victory.
Chang Ling-ling is a retired colonel in the armed forces reserves.
Translated by Kyra Gustavsen
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