China Hosts Costly WWII Commemoration Amid Taiwan Criticism

As China marks the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II, it is actively reshaping the narrative of the conflict by emphasizing its own and the Soviet Union's roles while minimizing the contributions of the United States. The commemorations include large-scale military parades and public ceremonies showcasing China's wartime sacrifices and modern military strength, with President Xi Jinping delivering a speech and inspecting troops in Beijing, attended by global figures such as Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un. Taiwan strongly criticizes China for falsely claiming primary credit for the wartime efforts, which it asserts were led by the Republic of China and the Kuomintang party before 1949, while also condemning the excessive costs of the celebrations, estimated at over 36 billion yuan—equivalent to about 2% of China’s defense budget. Taiwanese officials argue that China's spending on the anniversary parade neglects internal economic, labor, and social issues, highlighting a bitter battle of historical narratives between Beijing and Taipei. Beijing, in response, accuses Taiwan of denying the Communist Party's pivotal role and defends its commemorations as honoring wartime sacrifices. This dispute reflects broader geopolitical tensions and competing claims over historical legitimacy and territorial sovereignty in the region.