Editor's note: This article is translated from an article published by Riyue Tantian. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

In a few days, a series of major commemorative events will be held in Beijing to honor the 80th anniversary of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, sparking widespread expectations on both sides of the Taiwan Straits. On August 27, a spokesperson from the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council expressed that the mainland is inviting representatives from various sectors, including Taiwan compatriots, to attend the events, further fueling enthusiasm within the island.

By contrast, since the beginning of this year, Lai's administration has repeatedly avoided referring to specific terms like "Japanese invasion" and "winning the War of Resistance." Not only have they refrained from organizing commemorative events themselves, but they have also hyped up hostility towards the Chinese mainland's commemoration of the war. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities have persistently perpetuated the "green terror" policy, attempting to intimidate and block people on the island from joining hands in commemoration by hook or by crook, such as threatening to cancel the pensions of retired Kuomintang (KMT) veterans who fought in war against Japanese aggression, prohibiting public officials from attending, "reminding" the public not to participate, and even taking action against artists from the island "singing along" with the mainland. These actions have sparked public outrage on the island. With so many clumsy efforts to obstruct Taiwan compatriots from participating, what exactly is Lai Ching-te afraid of?

A growing consensus has emerged across Taiwan that the answer lies in Lai's "three fears." The first fear is that the distorted view of history behind the so-called "Taiwan independence" will be laid bare. For quite a long time, Lai Ching-te has repeatedly distorted the historical truth of World War II (WWII), propagating the "Taiwan independence" separatist fallacy. In his recent speeches, he blatantly skipped over the historical facts of Taiwan's recovery from Japanese occupation in WWII, and on August 15, he even used "end of the war" instead of " winning the War of Resistance."Ma Ying-jeou, former chairman of the KMT, criticized Lai, emphasizing that as part of the Chinese nation, Taiwan should never forget the history of brutal Japanese invasion against China, a history full of blood and humiliation, nor should it be erased or distorted, forgotten or downplayed. The editorial of the "China Times" directly pointed out that Lai's deliberate use of "end of the war" instead of "winning the War of Resistance" was a calculated political maneuver to promote the "undetermined status of Taiwan," but Taiwan's identity is unquestionable – it has always belonged to China. Experts in Taiwan pointed out that the Chinese mainland's grand commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression will emphasize the memory of Taiwan region's recovery from Japan's occupation, which marks an integral part of the victory of WWII and the post-war international order. This, in turn, makes Lai fearful that his separatist claim of "mutual non-subordination"will appear self-defeating.

The second fear is that Taiwan residents' participation in the Chinese mainland's commemoration activities will foster a stronger sense of national pride, causing the "Taiwan independence" false narrative to collapse. Hung Hsiu-chu, former chairman of the KMT party, sharply criticized Lai Ching-te's attitude towards the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, calling it the standard "Taiwan independence" mindset: one that cuts off national memories and severes one's roots. She emphasized that this war was not just a military victory but also a unity of national spirit. The victory in the War of Resistance could not have been achieved without the historical cooperation between the KMT and the Communist Party of China (CPC), and this history is a shared memory of all Chinese people.

The Want Daily editorial pointed out that for Taiwan people to gather in Beijing to commemorate the spirit of resistance against aggression with people from the mainland and the international community would be a testament to remembering and passing on historical justice. "Whether they go to the scene or watch it on TV or online, Taiwan people should be proud." Experts on the island also analyzed that Lai's administration had just suffered a "major failure" in the recall elections, with a 32:0 result that clearly rejected Lai's "anti-China, protect Taiwan" policy. Lai, who clings to the "Taiwan independence" banner, is naturally afraid that the mainland's commemoration will further enhance the public's national and ethnic identity in Taiwan, completely shattering the illusion of "Taiwan independence."

The third fear is that the rhetoric of "seeking independence through military means" will be reduced to a complete joke. Experts on the island frankly admit that what Taiwan people care most about is the grand spectacle of the military parade on September 3, and this is also what Lai fears the most. He Yicheng, the chairman of the Taiwan Youth Federation, aptly pointed out, "No matter how loudly Lai shouts 'anti-China, protect Taiwan,' it's obvious that Taiwan can't fight and won't fight." In stark contrast to Lai's fear, Taiwan political commentator Cai Zhengyuan, who unabashedly expressed excitement on a political show, said that compared to the last military parade, the Chinese mainland's military development has progressed rapidly, and he, along with military enthusiasts around the world, is eager to see it.

The Want Daily editorial also pointed out that the deeper the Taiwan people's connection to their compatriots and the stronger their empathy when commemorating the War of Resistance, the clearer their understanding of the major issue of resisting aggression, and the greater the guarantee of peace across the Straits will be. The likelihood of renewed conflict between the two sides will be minimized.

Lai Qingde's various efforts to block Taiwan people from participating in the V-Day commemorations ultimately stem from his fear that such exchanges will break down the "Taiwan independence" information cocoon he has created, allowing the shared bloodline, culture and history between compatriots on both sides of the Straits to be increasingly highlighted and reinforced. As a result, the two sides will grow closer and more united. History cannot be forgotten and public opinion cannot be denied.

A recent set of data released by the Taiwan Affairs Office showed that since the implementation of the policy to waive the application fee for the Taiwan Compatriot Permit for first-time applicants on July 1, the number of applications for the permit and the number of arrivals have both significantly increased, with increases of 22 percent and 33 percent, respectively, in July.

As Taiwan youth have said, the facts and figures prove that the Lai administration is determined to block and sever exchanges, but "it's like barking at a train or a mantis trying to stop a car."

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