Former KMT Leader Attends Beijing Military Parade, Sparks Outcry

Former chairwoman of the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT), Hung Hsiu-chu, announced her attendance at a military parade in Beijing on July 7, 2025. This event commemorates the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and the Second Sino-Japanese War. Her decision has drawn significant criticism from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which argues that her presence undermines Taiwan’s sovereignty and dignity.

Hung, who arrived in Beijing on July 6, expressed that attending the parade is an opportunity to “carry forward the spirit of resistance.” She emphasized the importance of remembering history, stating, “The War of Resistance Against Japan was a battle for the very survival of the Chinese nation.” In her remarks, she highlighted the collaborative efforts between the KMT and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) during this historic period.

The DPP responded sharply to Hung’s announcement. Spokeswoman Tai Wei-shan criticized Hung for echoing the CCP’s narrative regarding World War II, labeling her attendance as a betrayal of Taiwan’s historical integrity. Tai pointed out that Hung previously condemned former KMT chair Lien Chan for attending a similar parade in 2015, which adds a layer of hypocrisy to her current stance.

In response to the backlash, KMT Legislator Lin Szu-ming clarified that Hung is visiting China in a personal capacity and does not represent the party’s official position. Former KMT secretary-general Lee Chien-lung also announced he had declined an invitation to the parade due to health concerns following recent surgery.

Several other notable figures are expected to attend the event, including You Chih-pin, deputy secretary-general of the New Party, and former legislators Chou Chuan and Tsao Yuan-jhang. The presence of these individuals at the parade further complicates the political landscape in Taiwan, which has been marked by increasing tensions with mainland China.

The Mainland Affairs Council of Taiwan has strongly urged citizens to refrain from attending any events organized by the Chinese government, asserting that such participation could harm the nation’s dignity. The council indicated that political entities or individuals collaborating with CCP officials through agreements or joint declarations could face legal repercussions under the Act Governing Relations Between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated Taiwan’s position on its sovereignty, with spokesman Hsiao Kuang-wei stating that the People’s Republic of China (PRC) is distorting historical facts regarding World War II. He emphasized that the PRC has never ruled Taiwan and that the Taiwanese have established a democratic government since the 1990s. Hsiao asserted, “It is an objective fact that the two sides are not subordinate to each other,” underscoring Taiwan’s distinct political identity.

The ongoing tensions have led to heightened military activities in the region, with the PRC frequently sending military aircraft and vessels into Taiwan’s airspace and territorial waters. Hsiao warned that Taiwanese who attend events like the military parade risk sending misleading signals to the international community about Taiwan’s democracy and sovereignty.

As the political discourse continues to evolve, Hung’s attendance at the parade serves as a focal point for debates surrounding Taiwan’s identity and its relationship with mainland China. This incident highlights the complexities of cross-strait relations and the sensitive nature of historical narratives in shaping public opinion in Taiwan.