Prioritizing Peace and Freedom, Lai Emphasizes

Taiwan's President William Lai Marks 80 Years Since the End of World War II

In commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and the Second Sino-Japanese War, Taiwan's President William Lai paid tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in major battles.

The remembrance came as President Lai attended a ceremony at the National Revolutionary Martyrs' Shrine in Taipei's Zhongshan District. The ROC government, led by Chiang Kai-shek, had relocated to Taiwan in 1949 after losing the Chinese Civil War to Mao Zedong's Chinese Communist Party.

During the ceremony, President Lai emphasized the importance of safeguarding beliefs in freedom and democracy, which he described as the cornerstones of stability and prosperity. He also expressed hope for countries that suffered invasion to work together to safeguard peace.

In a series of statements on social media after the ceremony, President Lai underscored Taiwan's role in resisting Japan. On Sept. 2, 1945, Republic of China (ROC) general Hsu Yung-chang signed the Japanese Instrument of Surrender, ending World War II.

President Lai also addressed the resurgence of fascism, characterized by extreme nationalism, censorship, and leader worship. He stated that guns in Taiwan's hands are for protection, not for invasion or expansion, and that Taiwanese are peace-loving and do not believe in commemorating peace by holding guns.

Meanwhile, in Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping presided over a military parade for the 80th anniversary of the victory over Japanese aggression and the Second World War. The event was attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian among others.

Taipei claims that the ROC played the central role in resisting Japan, while Beijing claims credit through commemorative events, including yesterday's parade. The comments by President William Lai appeared to be a reference to the official title of the military parade in Beijing.

In recent years, Japan, Germany, and Italy have become democratic countries that uphold human rights and the rule of law. President Lai expressed hope that these countries, as well as others that have suffered invasion, would continue to work towards peace and democracy.