TAIWAN-LIFESTYLE-MUSEUM
Taiwan's Defense Minister Wellington Koo claimed that China is using World War II historical commemorations to convey political messages, raising concerns about cognitive warfare. Fundamental differences remain between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait regarding Taiwan's post-war history and sovereignty. The image illustrates the relationship between Taiwan and China.

[TAIPEI, Oct. 27] Defense Minister Wellington Koo said China is using commemorative events marking World War II to conduct cognitive warfare. Beijing recently released high-resolution satellite images of locations including Taipei Main Station and the National Palace Museum, and published a propaganda poster featuring a map of Taiwan alongside military aircraft and warships, prompting a rebuttal from Taiwan.

According to a Reuters report on Oct. 27, China on Oct. 25 commemorated the 1945 transfer of Taiwan from Japanese rule to the Republic of China government, releasing military propaganda posters under the theme “Remembering the history of Taiwan’s restoration.”

Speaking to reporters in Taipei, Koo said the People’s Republic of China was established in 1949, a point in history distinct from the war against Japan during World War II. He said Beijing was using the commemorations to convey a specific political message and that Taiwan should remain vigilant.

Japan acquired Taiwan in 1895 and ruled the island until 1945. After World War II ended, Taiwan was taken over by the Republic of China government. The People’s Republic of China was established in 1949, while the Republic of China government relocated to Taiwan after the Chinese Civil War. The two governments hold fundamentally different positions on Taiwan’s sovereignty and historical status.

The Chinese Communist government claims Taiwan as part of China and has not renounced the possibility of using force to achieve unification. Taiwan is governed by a democratically elected government and rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claim. The two sides’ differing interpretations of World War II history and the postwar political settlement remain sensitive issues in cross-strait relations.

Taiwan’s military is also focusing on the historical episode in October 1949 when a People’s Liberation Army attack on Kinmen failed. Koo said the episode serves as a reminder that Taiwan must continue to monitor China’s military threat to Taiwan.

The purpose of Beijing’s release of satellite imagery and military propaganda materials should be assessed separately from verifiable military deployments and actual operations. The imagery alone cannot prove that a specific military operation is imminent, although the political messaging and military activity could further deepen mistrust across the Taiwan Strait.

As Beijing and Taipei continue to clash over historical and sovereignty narratives, the ability to distinguish political propaganda, understand the historical context and verify military-related information will continue to shape public debate in Taiwan and assessments of regional security.