As the Chinese mainland prepares to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, tensions are mounting over cross-strait participation.
Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, condemned the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities in the Taiwan region for barring residents of Taiwan from attending the grand gathering in Tiananmen Square on September 3. 'It’s a contemptible betrayal of history and the nation,' Zhu said, stressing that people in Taiwan made great sacrifices and contributions during the collective struggle.
The event, which will feature a military parade and representatives from across society, including residents of Taiwan, is seen by the Chinese mainland as a chance to honor the fallen and draw strength from history toward national reunification and rejuvenation.
DPP authorities recently announced that public servants would be prohibited from traveling to the Chinese mainland for the commemoration and warned that any cooperation could lead to penalties. Several applications to attend have already been rejected.
Zhu accused the DPP of distorting history and intimidating residents of Taiwan, calling the move 'despicable and disgraceful.' As the countdown to September 3 begins, the clash highlights the growing rift over historical memory and cross-strait engagement.
Reference(s):
Mainland slams DPP for blocking Taiwan people from war commemoration
cgtn.com
