Beijing: Former Kuomintang (KMT) Chairperson Hung Hsiu-chu announced her plans to attend a military parade in Beijing marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and the Second Sino-Japanese War. Hung emphasized that her decision aims to “carry forward the spirit of resistance.”

According to Focus Taiwan, Hung stated that the War of Resistance Against Japan was crucial for the survival of the Chinese nation. She stressed the importance of remembering this history accurately. Hung arrived in Beijing on Monday and highlighted the cooperation between the KMT and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) during the conflict. She expressed her responsibility as a former KMT leader to uphold this historical legacy.

The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) later advised the public against participating in the parade or related events, emphasizing a ban on officials to prevent their potential use in “united front efforts targeting Taiwan.” This ban includes former high-level officials in defense, foreign affairs, mainland affairs, or national security, as well as senior military officers and intelligence chiefs.

Hung’s previous roles as a legislator and deputy speaker of the Legislative Yuan bring uncertainty about whether she falls under these restrictions, as noted by MAC Deputy Minister Shen Yu-chung. KMT Legislator Lin Szu-ming clarified that Hung’s trip is personal and not representative of the party. Meanwhile, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) spokesperson Tai Wei-shan criticized the move, pointing out Hung’s past criticism of former KMT Chair Lien Chan for attending a similar event in China.

Taiwanese scholars have argued that China’s commemorative events aim to claim credit for a victory achieved by the Republic of China (ROC) during the 1937-1945 conflict, which is considered part of World War II. Hung’s announcement followed former KMT Secretary-General Lee Chien-lung’s decision to decline an invitation due to health reasons after recent surgery.