Taiwan Commemorates VE Day, Warns Against Authoritarianism

Taiwan marked the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day with its first formal commemoration of the end of World War II in Europe, emphasizing shared democratic values and the ongoing threat from authoritarian regimes. President Lai Ching-te warned against appeasement of aggressors, drawing parallels between the historical rise of Axis powers and current challenges posed by China’s military pressure and interference tactics, including sabotage of undersea cables and election misinformation. He stressed the importance of vigilance and international solidarity, particularly between Taiwan and European democracies, in confronting these threats to peace and democracy. The event coincided with Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Russia, where he reiterated claims over Taiwan, highlighting the island's geopolitical tensions. Taiwan has been actively seeking to strengthen ties with global democracies despite lacking formal diplomatic relations, signaling a strategic diplomatic push to counter authoritarian influence. Speakers at the event, including European and British representatives, underscored the historical lessons of WWII while advocating for cooperation to uphold democratic principles amid rising global instability.