Civil groups in the Taiwan region gathered outside the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) headquarters in Taipei on July 7, marking the 88th anniversary of the Lugou Bridge Incident. The event highlighted calls to commemorate the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, oppose Taiwan independence narratives, and recognize shared historical ties across the Taiwan Strait.
Organizers framed the rally as a corrective to what they described as the DPP's 'distortion of history,' urging Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te and local authorities to acknowledge the region's role in China's wartime resistance. Participants emphasized the importance of cross-strait unity, with banners reading 'Remember History, Reject Separatism' displayed prominently.
The Lugou Bridge Incident, a 1937 clash that catalyzed full-scale resistance against Japanese invasion, remains a symbol of national solidarity for many. Analysts note the event underscores ongoing tensions over historical narratives and their implications for cross-strait relations.
