The presence of Taiwanese politicians at China’s military parade tomorrow would send the wrong message to Beijing and the international community about Taiwan’s sovereignty and democracy, a national security official said yesterday.
China is to hold the parade tomorrow to mark the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II.
By bringing together leaders of “anti-West” governments such as Russia, North Korea, Iran and Belarus, the parade aims to project a symbolic image of an alliance that is cohesive and unbending against Western countries, the national security official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Photo: Tien Yu-hua, Taipei Times
Former Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) chairwoman Hung Hsiu-chu (洪秀柱), former KMT secretary-general Lee Chien-lung (李乾龍) and KMT Central Standing Committee member Ho Ying-lu (何鷹鷺) might attend the parade, they said.
However, Lee said he would not attend due to health concerns, while Ho said she was not invited, but would be willing to attend.
A source said Hung would make an announcement about the matter on Facebook by 10am today.
Other potential attendees include more than 10 New Party members led by Chairman Wu Cheng-tien (吳成典) and Deputy Chairman Lee Sheng-feng (李勝?), Labor Party Chairman Wu Rong-yuan (吳榮元), and Reunification Alliance Party Deputy Chairman Lee Shang-shien (李尚賢), the national security official said.
The high-profile participation of KMT members would confuse the diplomatic image of Taiwan, giving the international community the impression that a Taiwanese mainstream political party acquiesces or agrees with Beijing’s stance on Taiwan, they said.
The parties of anyone that attends should make it clear that such behavior does not represent Taiwan or Taiwanese to avoid confusion in the international community, they said.
KMT Chairman Eric Chu (朱立倫) said that legal cross-strait visits by individuals should be allowed, adding that high-level public servants must adhere to regulations.
Democratic Progressive Party Legislator Chiu Chih-wei (邱志偉) said that attending the parade is equivalent to treason and should have legal consequences.
Additional reporting by Chen Yu-fu and Lin Hsin-han
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