On August 15, 2025, the President of the Republic of China, Tsai Ing-wen, pointed out that World War II was a historical catastrophe caused only by the ambitions of a few dictators, the lack of vigilance against aggression, and the belief that compromise could bring peace, which in turn allowed aggressors to take advantage. As authoritarianism is once again gathering strength and expanding, it is crucial for everyone to remember the lessons of World War II, unite to prevent aggression, and preserve freedom and democracy.
President Tsai Ing-wen posted on Facebook today (15th), stating that 80 years ago, on this day, the Pacific War of World War II came to an end through the joint efforts of the Allies. After the long and arduous war, the entire human race set its sights on the future, actively rebuilding and striving for prosperity. The brutal war made it clear to people around the world that peace is invaluable, and there are no winners in wars.
Tsai emphasized that World War II was a catastrophe in history caused by the personal ambitions of a few dictators, extreme ideologies, and militaristic expansion which dragged many countries across continents into ruthless warfare. Countless precious lives were sacrificed in the fight against aggression.
“On this day, eighty years after the end of the war, as we take freedom, democracy, peace, and prosperity for granted like breathing, we should reflect on this painful history and learn from it. The most valuable lesson of World War II is that unity leads to victory and aggression leads to defeat,” Tsai said.
“No regime has the right to invade or deprive people on another land of their freedom and happiness, and countries that cherish freedom and peace must unite with unwavering determination and strength to thwart any expansionist and aggressive ambitions,” Tsai continued.
He pointed out that during the outbreak of World War II, the lack of vigilance against aggression and the naive belief that compromise could bring peace allowed the aggressors to take advantage and escalate the conflict to an uncontrollable extent.
Tsai emphasized that the Axis powers of that time have now all become countries that uphold freedom, democracy, market economy, and the rule of law, achieving remarkable progress and prosperity after the war, earning respect from nations around the world. The development of these countries post-war further proves that freedom and democracy are not only healthy forms of civilization but also cornerstone for permanent peace and prosperity in the international community. Only by setting aside differences, building trust, can we move towards a shared future.
After World War II, a military aircraft carrying released prisoners of war from the United States, Australia, the Netherlands, and others crashed near Jiaming Lake due to a typhoon, resulting in the tragic deaths of all onboard. Teams, including Japanese military police, police officers, indigenous people, and various Taiwanese ethnic groups, went to the mountains for a rescue mission but unfortunately perished due to harsh weather conditions. This air and mountain accident was known as the “Sancha Mountain Incident.”
“At that moment when the war had just ended, no one distinguished themselves from others as allies or Axis powers. Despite the dangers, they worked together to rescue strangers in distress because every life is precious,” Tsai said.
Furthermore, Tsai shared that Taiwan’s representative in Japan, Li Yiyang, was invited for the first time in early August to attend the peace memorial ceremonies in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, mourning the lives lost and praying for future peace. Eighty years later, the Allied nations that fought fiercely to defeat the aggressors, and the former enemy countries, now stand together in a spirit of democratic unity, demonstrating their reverence and longing for peace, showcasing the friendship, respect, and unity of democratic nations.
“Only by remaining vigilant and united against aggressive ambitions can we defend our everyday lives; only through cooperation can the values of freedom and democracy endure. Faced with any threats and challenges, we must stand side by side, support each other, and democracies must collaborate to protect the freedom and peace we cherish,” Tsai emphasized.
Freedom and democracy were obtained at the cost of countless lives throughout history. “We must not forget or ignore the vigilance it brings. As authoritarianism is once again rising and expanding, we must remember the lessons of World War II, stand firm, unite, prevent aggression, and preserve freedom and democracy,” Tsai concluded.