Participants in the grand V-Day commemorations from China's Taiwan Region expressed deep pride in their shared Chinese heritage while underscoring Taiwan's strong connection to the history of resistance and national victory.
On Wednesday, China held a grand gathering commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. The occasion featured a grand military parade, attended by some international friends who made contributions to China's victory in the war, or their family representatives.
During the live broadcast, the appearance of six Kuomintang (KMT) veterans who fought in war against Japanese aggression elicited thunderous applause on-site and heartfelt comments from online viewers across the Taiwan Strait, many expressing their appreciation for the sacrifices of past generations.
Former chairperson of the Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) party Hung Hsiu-chu, who were invited to the event, stressed that the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression was a life-or-death struggle for the Chinese nation and a chapter of history shared by both sides of the Taiwan Strait.
"This visit is about honoring historical truth and paying tribute to our heroes. I hope compatriots on both sides will stick to one-China principle, oppose Taiwan separatism, strengthen exchanges, and contribute to national reunification and the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation," Hung said.
"The victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression is the victory of people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. When we united and fought courageously, we achieved not only the war's triumph but also the restoration of Taiwan," said Liu Yu-yu, a Taiwan resident.
"I'm honored to participate in the V-Day commemorations. This is not just because I'm a serviceman, but because I'm Chinese. What we're doing now is the right thing to do and we should continue to strive for it," said Lu Li-shih, former navy captain in the Taiwan region.
Experts in Taiwan have noted that the mainland's V-Day commemorations have sparked renewed interest on the island in the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and Taiwan's restoration. The shared memories of the resistance endeavors inspire many to recognize that people on both sides of the Strait are one family, and deepen their pride in being Chinese.
Mainland's V-Day event evokes pride and belonging among Taiwan residents
