Taipei: Taiwan has unveiled a comprehensive series of events to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and the Second Sino-Japanese War. The initiative aims to honor the Republic of China's (ROC) historical role in these pivotal conflicts. Major General Lou Wei-chieh of the Ministry of National Defense (MND) announced plans for artistic exhibits, a concert, and other events under the theme "Fighting aggression, Protecting the homeland."
According to Focus Taiwan, the commemorative activities will feature a photo exhibit at 34 selected bus stations in Taipei City, highlighting military-related photographs. The events will also include a memorial concert at the Taipei International Convention Center and an outdoor carnival at Xiangti Avenue Plaza in Xinyi District. These cultural events are organized in collaboration with the Taiwan International Model Hobby Development Association, which will host a military-themed model show and an artistic exhibition at the National Taiwan Library.
The MND is also working with the private sector for these commemorations. Taipei-based Kuai Kuai Co. will launch three limited editions of their popular bistro snacks, featuring packaging adorned with themes related to the ROC's involvement in WWII. This initiative aims to present a softer approach to marking the historical events while emphasizing shared ideals and beliefs upheld by the ROC in its defense efforts during the wars.
While other agencies have not announced additional events, the scheduled activities reflect Taiwan's intent to underline its historical narrative. The Second Sino-Japanese War, fought between the ROC and the Empire of Japan from 1937 to 1945, is considered a part of World War II. The ROC officially declared war against Japan, Germany, and Italy in 1941 after the Pearl Harbor attack, ultimately emerging victorious in 1945.
The ROC government, led by Kuomintang leader Chiang Kai-shek, relocated to Taiwan in 1949 following the civil war defeat by Mao Zedong's communists, who established the People's Republic of China (PRC) in Beijing. Over the years, Beijing has minimized the KMT's role in the Second Sino-Japanese War and WWII, while Taiwan maintains that the ROC, not the PRC, defended China against Japanese invasion.
Defense Minister Wellington Koo recently emphasized that the PRC was not established until 1949, making it impossible for the PRC to claim credit for the war efforts that occurred before its establishment. The PRC has announced plans for its own 80th-anniversary commemorations in 2025, with details yet to be disclosed. Chinese President Xi Jinping has accepted an invitation to attend Russia's commemorations of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany and plans to host a military parade in Beijing with Russian President Vladimir Putin expected to attend.