Chen Binhua, a spokesperson of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, attends a press conference on May14, 2025. Photo: Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council

Responding to media questions on Wednesday regarding the threats posed by the Mainland Affairs Council in the Taiwan region to Kuomintang (KMT) anti-Japanese war veterans invited by the mainland to participate in events marking the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, slammed the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities for not only refusing to commemorate the war but also for intimidating these veterans. The Taiwan region's "defense authorities" warned residents and retired military personnel not to be "lured," and the island's Mainland Affairs Council stated that any participants in such events deemed to "undermine Taiwan's dignity" would have their retirement benefits revoked.

Chen emphasized that this year marks the 80th anniversary of both the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the restoration of Taiwan. He described the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression as a just war — one in which justice triumphed over evil, light dispelled darkness, and progress overcame reaction. It was also a significant part of the global anti-fascist effort.

Chen added that the DPP's portrayal of the commemoration as "united front tactics" and "cognitive warfare" reveals their disgraceful stance — one that runs counter to the tide of history and the shared values of human society.

The Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression was a just struggle in which all Chinese people, regardless of background, united in defiance of Japanese militarist aggression. More than 80 years ago, under the coordinated efforts by the KMT forces on the frontlines and the CPC-led guerrillas behind enemy lines, a joint strategic resistance was formed against the invaders.

"Our invitation to KMT veterans is a gesture of respect for historical facts and a tribute to their sacrifice and contribution in defending the nation," Chen said. He strongly criticized the DPP authorities for not only refusing to commemorate the war but also intimidating these veterans, saying such behavior is "morally reprehensible and disgraceful" and will be "resolutely opposed by the vast majority of Taiwan compatriots."

Global Times