Taiwan officials warn that former Kuomintang (KMT) Chair Hung Hsiu-chu and other party members should avoid attending China’s upcoming military parade. They stressed that attending could send the wrong message to both Beijing and the international community. Such participation could also create confusion about Taiwan’s official stance on sovereignty and democracy.
The parade will commemorate the 80th anniversary of Imperial Japan’s surrender in World War II. Several authoritarian leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, and Iran’s president, plan to attend. Their presence aims to showcase solidarity against the West and reinforce their political narratives.
In addition, multiple pro-unification and pan-Blue Taiwanese politicians reportedly confirmed or plan to attend. Taiwan officials warn that such attendance could be misinterpreted as tacit approval of China’s actions. They emphasized that this could harm Taiwan’s international image and undermine its efforts to maintain diplomatic clarity.
The reported Taiwanese participants include Hung, former KMT Secretary-General Lee Chien-lung, and current KMT Central Standing Committee member Ho Ying-lu. Officials cautioned that their attendance might suggest the KMT, or even Taiwan’s political parties more broadly, support China’s military display. This, they argued, could create unnecessary diplomatic tension and misunderstandings with other nations.
Furthermore, Taiwan officials warn that China is distorting World War II history to support its claims over Taiwan. Officials noted that if senior KMT figures attend the parade, it could reinforce Beijing’s misleading narrative. They stressed that it would send the wrong signal not only to Beijing but also to the international community, complicating Taiwan’s diplomatic efforts.
Officials urged political parties to clearly state that these visits do not represent Taiwan or its people. They highlighted that Taiwan’s democracy and sovereignty must remain evident to the global audience. They also encouraged political parties to communicate actively with international partners to prevent misinterpretation abroad.
Finally, Taiwan officials warn that political leaders must carefully consider the diplomatic consequences of attending foreign events. Participating in the parade could unintentionally legitimize Beijing’s territorial claims. Therefore, officials recommended refraining from participation and publicly affirming Taiwan’s independent position. By doing so, Taiwan can maintain its credibility and protect its global standing.
