Ex-head of KMT set to participate in Chinese military marching event

Taiwan's Political Leaders Attend China's Military Parade, Stirring Controversy

Tomorrow marks the 80th anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II and the end of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. Amidst this significant event, a group of Taiwanese political leaders, including Hung Hsiu-chu, former chairwoman of the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT), have decided to attend China's military parade, causing controversy and concern within Taiwan's government.

Hung Hsiu-chu, who arrived in Beijing yesterday, emphasized the importance of not forgetting or distorting history. She views the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression as a fight for the survival of the Chinese nation and believes that the history of the war is a shared history that transcends political parties and provinces. In a news release, she confirmed her attendance at the parade, stating that she has a responsibility to uphold the KMT's spirit of resistance.

However, the Taiwanese government has strongly condemned any person or organization that participates in China's military parade and related activities. They argue that such actions violate the Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area and other relevant laws. The government calls on all citizens to stand united in defending the nation's sovereignty.

The official's concern is that Taiwan's international diplomatic image may be confused by the implied agreement with Beijing's stance on Taiwan by a mainstream Taiwanese political party. This concern is heightened by the potential attendance of other high-profile Taiwanese politicians, such as Lee Chien-lung and Ho Ying-lu. However, Lee Chien-lung announced that he would not attend the parade due to health concerns.

KMT Cultural and Communications Committee chair Lin Kuan-yu has stated that the position of former party officials does not reflect the party's current position. He emphasized that the KMT, which overthrew the Qing Dynasty and founded the Republic of China, supports legal cross-strait visits by individuals, but those who have held high-level public offices must adhere to regulations.

The controversy surrounding the attendance of Taiwanese political leaders at China's military parade highlights the complex and sensitive nature of cross-strait relations. As both sides commemorate the end of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, it is crucial for all parties involved to maintain a clear and respectful dialogue to ensure the preservation of historical truths and the protection of national sovereignty.