Taiwan highlights threats from China on VE Day anniversary

On May 8, 2025, Taiwan commemorated the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day with an emphasis on the rising threats posed by China. Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te addressed diplomats in Taipei, highlighting the parallels between the struggles faced by Taiwan and European nations against authoritarian regimes. He underscored the importance of vigilance against military aggression, reflecting on the lessons learned from history. Lai pointed out that military aggression leads to dire consequences and implored nations to unite against such threats. Lai's remarks also touched on specific actions by China that threaten Taiwan's sovereignty and democracy. He explicitly warned of external interference in Taiwan's elections through disinformation campaigns, underscoring the need for a and united response from democratic countries. Additionally, he raised concerns about the security of undersea cables, which are vital for communication and cybersecurity, that have reportedly faced sabotage. This marked Taiwan’s first official observance of VE Day, demonstrating the island’s efforts to strengthen its ties with other democracies while navigating its complicated relationship with Beijing. Moreover, while Taiwan held its commemorative ceremony, Chinese President Xi Jinping was participating in celebratory events in Russia. This juxtaposition emphasized the geopolitical tensions in play, as Xi has long asserted that the annexation of Taiwan by mainland China is inevitable. As Xi and Russian President Vladimir Putin met to discuss bilateral and global issues, the authoritarian alliance between China and Russia raised alarms in democratic nations, including Taiwan. This context painted a stark picture of the modern-day challenges facing nations like Taiwan, who strive for autonomy and democratic governance under the threat of authoritarianism. Taiwan's government, tracing its legacy back to the Nationalist regime of Chiang Kai-shek from the World War II era, continues to grapple with the ramifications of that tumultuous history while seeking to safeguard its democratic privileges. Former Taiwanese leaders have sought international support—like the ongoing visits by former President Tsai Ing-wen and Foreign Affairs Minister Lin Chia-lung to European and U.S. countries, respectively. Their trips reinforce Taiwan’s commitment to fostering diplomatic relations with nations that share democratic values. The observance of VE Day thus serves not only as a historical remembrance but also as a crucial moment for reaffirming Taiwan's position on the global stage against the backdrop of modern authoritarian threats.