MAC responds to Beijing's military parade

2015/09/07

The Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945) was won with valiant sacrifices by the ROC armed forces and unparalleled bravery of the citizenry, according to the Mainland Affairs Council Sept. 3.

“Victory in the eight-year conflict by the ROC secured the country’s sovereignty and the people’s dignity while making an invaluable contribution to the Allied victory in World War II,” the MAC said.

“It is undeniable that the ROC government led the way in defending the nation against Japanese invasion. This fact is widely recognized by the global community and supported with international historical documents.”

During an event celebrating the 70th anniversary of the nation’s war victory on the eve of the Armed Forces Day, President Ma Ying-jeou also reiterated this historical truism and called on the world to treasure the hard-earned peace, the MAC said.

The MAC’s response followed the mainland Chinese military parade earlier the day in Beijing and the remarks by mainland Chinese leader Xi Jinping on the war.

Regret was also expressed by the MAC over the attendance of some ROC nationals at celebration activities staged in Beijing, especially the military parade. “Such decisions fly in the face of the government’s stance, fail to uphold national dignity and run counter to public expectations.”

The MAC urged Beijing to look squarely at history, acknowledge the ROC armed forces’ central role in thwarting Japanese aggression and engage in deep reflection on the matter.

“Over the past seven years, Taipei and Beijing have accomplished historical rapprochement and collaboration based on the 1992 consensus that there exists only one China but with respective interpretations,” the MAC said, adding that Beijing needs to acknowledge the existence of the ROC and the reality that the two sides are under separate governance.

“It is the responsibility of both sides to maintain benign bilateral exchanges going forward to ensure cross-strait peace and regional stability. But this is not possible without mutual respect and sincere collaboration.”

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=234605&ctNode=413)