The Chinese mainland has strongly condemned actions by Taiwan region's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities for preventing residents of Taiwan from participating in historic commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. The event, scheduled for September 3 in Beijing, will honor sacrifices made by all Chinese people during WWII.
Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, stated: "The DPP's obstruction constitutes a betrayal of our shared history. The resistance against Japanese aggression was a collective struggle of the entire Chinese nation, including those on the island of Taiwan."
Authorities in Taiwan recently imposed travel restrictions and penalties for those seeking to attend the mainland-hosted gathering, which includes a military parade and cross-strait cultural exchanges. Zhu emphasized that compatriots from both sides of the Taiwan Strait should jointly commemorate historical milestones to "draw strength from our common past."
Historical records show Taiwan contributed significantly to anti-fascist efforts, with over 50,000 island residents participating in mainland resistance operations between 1937-1945. Analysts suggest the DPP's stance reflects ongoing tensions in cross-strait relations amid differing historical interpretations.
