Recent comments by Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te describing the 1945 conclusion of Japan's occupation as the "end of war" rather than a Chinese victory have ignited fierce debate across the Taiwan Strait. The remarks coincide with the 80th anniversary of both China's victory in the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and Taiwan's return to China.
Major Taiwan media outlets condemned the phrasing as historical revisionism. The United Daily News editorial board called the terminology "absurd," noting it aligns with Japanese colonial narratives rather than recognizing China's role in liberating the island. A China Times analysis suggested the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) leadership seeks to legitimize Japan's 1895-1945 colonial rule through linguistic manipulation.
Controversy deepened after DPP Secretary-General Hsu Kuo-yung claimed "there was no Taiwan Restoration Day" and that "Taiwan residents were Japanese" during the colonial period. A Chinatimes.com poll showed 95% of respondents rejected this characterization.
Analysts link the rhetoric to broader cross-strait tensions. Chen Fu-yu of the ChinaTide Association stated: "By whitewashing colonial history, certain forces aim to sever Taiwan's cultural and historical ties with the Chinese mainland." Recent surveys show 63% of respondents disapprove of Lai's handling of cross-strait relations – a 20-point annual increase.
The debate unfolds amid growing public scrutiny of governance priorities. As Typhoon Ragasa claimed 20 lives in Taiwan, local commentators contrasted Lai's focus on "defensive resilience against China" with perceived shortcomings in disaster preparedness.
