Chen Binhua Rebuts Lai Ching-te's Distortion of WWII History

During a press conference, Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, expressed strong disapproval of Lai Ching-te's recent comments. Lai, who leads the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in Taiwan, was accused of twisting the historical significance of World War II while commemorating what he called the "80th Anniversary of Victory in Europe." Chen pointed out that Lai disregarded the crucial victories achieved in China, including the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, and instead promoted a narrative that disconnected Taiwan's history from its rightful place within China.

Chen highlighted the immense sacrifices made by China during World War II, which included approximately 35 million military and civilian casualties. He elaborated that Taiwan's reunion with China is a pivotal aspect of both the victory in the war and the subsequent international order that emerged. By distorting history, Chen argued, Lai is misinforming the Taiwanese populace and influencing international perceptions in favor of separatist ideals.

Additionally, Chen responded to Lai's notion that Taiwan's relationship with Japan resembles that of family, which sparked criticism for ignoring the historical suffering endured by Taiwanese during Japan's colonial rule. The spokesperson labeled Lai's actions as a betrayal of national unity, particularly as this year marks significant anniversaries related to both Japan's invasion of Taiwan and China's victory over Japanese forces.

Expert Zhu Songling remarked that the DPP's attempts to frame historical narratives around independence goals may resonate poorly with the public, potentially being viewed as disrespectful to the collective history shared by Chinese people across the Taiwan Strait. Ultimately, Chen asserted that no amount of historical distortion by Lai could negate the fact that Taiwan is part of China or the ongoing trend toward reunification.