On the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, President William Lai (賴清德) today called for unity against rising authoritarianism to protect freedom and democracy, warning that compromise only emboldens aggressors.
World War II came to an end 80 years ago today through the united efforts of the Allies, Lai said on Facebook.
The brutal war taught the world that peace is priceless and war has no winners, he said.
Photo: Tu Chien-jung, Taipei Times
No matter the excuse or reason, no regime has the right to invade another people’s land and threaten their freedom and happiness, Lai said.
Countries that value freedom and peace must unite with unwavering determination and strength to deter any expansionist ambitions, he added.
Lai said the outbreak of World War II was not only due to the aggressors’ dogmatism, but also a lack of vigilance from other countries about their ambitions, and even wishful thinking that a compromise could bring peace.
This gave the aggressors an opportunity and emboldened them, making the conflict spiral out of control, he said.
In addition, Representative to Japan Lee Yi-yang (李逸洋) recently attended memorial ceremonies in Japan's Hiroshima and Nagasaki for the first time.
This shows that the Allied and Axis powers of World War II are now united as democratic allies with shared values, demonstrating friendship, respect and solidarity among democratic nations, Lai said.
People must remember the lessons of World War II and stand united against authoritarian expansion to ensure the endurance of freedom and democracy, he added.
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