The Chinese government on Wednesday accused Taiwan of ignoring the Communist Party's participation in the resistance against Japan during World War II and said its rejection of official events marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the conflict constitutes "blasphemy."
Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the Chinese Taiwan Affairs Office, denounced Taipei for "slandering and erasing" the contributions of communists. She stated at a press conference that this stance represents "a betrayal of all the Chinese people and an insult to the martyrs and heroes who gave their lives for the nation," according to the Global Times.
Zhu stressed that the anniversary "must be commemorated on both sides of the Strait" and noted that Taiwanese authorities were invited to official Chinese events. He added that "Taiwanese compatriots should not and cannot be excluded from these commemorative ceremonies."
He also noted that "threats, intimidation, or attempts to prevent Taiwan from attending these events represent a historic grievance and despicable actions," referring to Taipei's calls for the population to avoid attending the military parade Beijing is preparing.
Relations between China and Taiwan broke down in 1949, after the Kuomintang was defeated by the Communists in the civil war and relocated its government to the archipelago. Bilateral contact was only resumed in the late 1980s, limited to business and informal exchanges.
Key points:
- China accused Taiwan of downplaying the communist role against Japan.
- He denounced the rejection of the 80th anniversary events as "blasphemy."
- Zhu Fenglian warned that the commemoration should include both sides of the Strait.
- Beijing is preparing a major military parade and has requested Taiwan's presence.
- Ties were severed in 1949 and only resumed on an economic level in the 1980s.
FAQ
Why did China criticize Taiwan on this anniversary?
Because Taiwan refused to participate in the celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the end of the war, which Beijing considered an attempt to deny the communist role in the resistance against Japan.
