Taiwan Reminds China of World War II Results for ‘Invaders’ as Beijing Mounts Military Pressure

Taiwan’s defence ministry has issued a stern reminder to China, stating that the history of World War II demonstrates that aggression and expansion will ultimately end in failure. This response comes after Chinese comments suggesting that Taiwan would inevitably come under Beijing’s control.

*Escalating Military Activity*

Democratically governed Taiwan, which China views as its own territory, has repeatedly complained about increased Chinese military activity. This week, Beijing conducted drills off the island’s southwestern coast, which it described as “routine.” On Thursday, China’s defence ministry, when asked about Taiwan’s annual Han Kuang military exercises, likened Taiwan to “a mantis trying to stop a chariot” and asserted that “sooner or later we will take you back.”

*Taiwan’s Defence Ministry Statement*

In a statement, Taiwan’s defence ministry accused China of escalating military threats in the region, disrupting regional stability, and becoming the biggest “troublemaker” in the international community. “This year marks the 80th anniversary of (the end of) World War Two, and history has proven that any form of aggression and expansion will end in failure,” the ministry said. “The actions of the Communist military in recent years are repeating the mistakes of the invaders and pushing China towards defeat.”

*Strengthening Military Forces*

Taiwan’s military is bolstering its forces to safeguard sovereignty, ensure freedom and democracy, and collaborate to maintain security and stability in the region. Taiwan’s government rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims, asserting that only the Taiwanese people can decide their future.

*Historical Context*

World War II and the full-scale Japanese invasion of China in 1937, which preceded the start of the world war in 1939, remain sensitive historical subjects in both China and Taiwan. The Chinese government at the time was the Republic of China, and its forces did much of the fighting against Japan. The republican government fled to Taiwan in 1949 after losing a war with Mao Zedong’s Communists, and Beijing today largely downplays the role of the republican forces.

*Commemorations and Historical Tensions*

Chinese President Xi Jinping has accepted Russia’s invitation to attend the commemorations of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. Taiwan was a Japanese colony during the war, and some Taiwanese fought on the side of the Japanese army.

Speaking at a separate event in Taipei to mark a 1947 uprising against Chinese republican troops in Taiwan, known as the “228 Incident,” President Lai Ching-te said China has not given up its attempts to take Taiwan by force. “The greatest threat to Taiwan’s sovereignty, Taiwan’s democracy and Taiwan’s people being their own master, comes from China,” he said.