People gather at a rally to commemorate the 88th anniversary of the start of the entire Chinese nation's resistance against Japanese aggression, in Taipei, southeast China's Taiwan, July 7, 2025.

More than ten political parties and organizations in Taiwan on Monday gathered in central Taipei, braving the rain to commemorate the 88th anniversary of the start of the entire Chinese nation's resistance against Japanese aggression.

The rally, held outside the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) headquarters, called for the respect for historical facts and opposition to pro-Japanese historical narratives, urging the DPP authorities to acknowledge the shared history of cross-Strait resistance and recognize the contributions of Taiwan people during the war. (Xinhua)

TAIPEI, July 7 (Xinhua) -- More than ten political parties and organizations in Taiwan on Monday gathered in central Taipei, braving the rain to commemorate the 88th anniversary of the start of the entire Chinese nation's resistance against Japanese aggression.

The rally, held outside the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) headquarters, called for the respect for historical facts and opposition to pro-Japanese historical narratives, urging the DPP authorities to acknowledge the shared history of cross-Strait resistance and recognize the contributions of Taiwan people during the war.

The DPP authorities have in recent years distorted history, advanced a "Taiwan independence" narrative, and pursued "de-Sinicization," said the organizers, warning that these actions would damage the political foundation of cross-Strait relations and push Taiwan toward a heightened risk of conflict.

Chi Chia-lin, honorary chairman of the Reunification Alliance Party in Taiwan, said that the anniversary of whole Chinese nation's resistance against Japanese aggression served as a reminder for opposing "Taiwan independence" separatism and promoting national reunification.

He noted that dozens of anti-Japanese incidents broke out across the island within just a month after July 7, 1937, and many young Taiwan patriots also rushed to the motherland to join the war of resistance.

"We came here today to remind the DPP authorities that Taiwan people have a long tradition of patriotism," said Chi Hsing, publisher of The Observer magazine, urging the DPP authorities to end all separatist activities and help safeguard peaceful cross-Strait development.

Several youth representatives also reflected on the significance of commemorating the anniversary at the event. ■