Taiwan, China Clash Over World War II Victory Claims Amid Rising Tensions

China and Taiwan remain deeply divided over the historical narrative of World War II and the credit for victory against Japan, with Taiwan emphasizing the role of the Republic of China (ROC) forces under Chiang Kai-shek and accusing the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) of distorting facts. Taiwan veteran Pan Cheng-fa highlighted that the ROC strengthened the communists during the war and stressed that the CCP did not exist as a state entity during the conflict. As China prepares for a massive military parade in Beijing to mark the 80th anniversary of the war’s end, both sides engage in a bitter war of words, with Taiwan asserting that the CCP prioritized strengthening itself over fighting Japan. The tensions extend beyond history into present-day geopolitical conflicts, as China’s increasing military activities near Taiwan and the Taiwan Strait heighten international concerns. German and U.S. officials have criticized China’s military aggression in the region, underscoring the global implications of the Taiwan Strait’s stability. Taiwan’s Defense Minister Wellington Koo and U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth have both emphasized the importance of deterrence to prevent war and address China’s territorial ambitions.