Taiwanese Citizens Celebrate China's V-Day Parade, Amidst Political Tensions

Taiwanese individuals expressed a shared sense of pride in their nation's strength and prosperity while observing the Chinese mainland's V-Day parade. Many watched the event both online and in person.

Lin Yen-chen, a Taiwanese student who attended the military parade in Beijing, highlighted the significance of the event. She stated that as Taiwan compatriots, their confidence in development stemmed from the strength of the mainland. She reflected on the 14-year resistance, emphasizing the true meaning of patriotism and national spirit.

Yuann Jeu-jeng, a professor from Taiwan University, shared his excitement on social media after watching the parade. He noted that the military parade aimed to promote peace, and that China consistently stood on the side of justice. In Xiamen, Fujian province, a gathering of over 150 Taiwanese compatriots watched the live broadcast. Cheng Chun-yuan, who attended with his family, expressed a feeling of immense pride in the nation's strength and development.

Wang Huning, a member of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, met with Taiwan representatives attending the commemoration. He emphasized the importance of remembering the history of national resistance, upholding the one-China principle, and opposing separatist efforts.

The high viewership of the V-Day parade across the Strait demonstrated enthusiasm for the commemoration. Various channels on the island broadcast the event live. Hung Hsiu-chu, former chairperson of the Chinese Kuomintang, stated that attempts to prevent participation in the commemoration revealed insecurity and alienated the public's sentiments regarding the history of the war. She emphasized that this was a national memory that must be passed down through generations.

Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te made remarks about the mainland's parade, stating that Taiwan does not commemorate peace with guns. He avoided directly mentioning Japanese aggression and China's victory, referring to the events simply as the "end of World War II". Chen Binhua, a spokesman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, criticized Lai's remarks, stating they glorified aggression and incited division. Chen said that Lai's comments disregarded the struggle of the Chinese people for national independence and liberation.