Civil groups in the Taiwan region gathered outside the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) headquarters in Taipei on Monday, marking the 88th anniversary of the Lugou Bridge Incident—a pivotal moment in China's resistance against Japanese aggression. Protesters called for unity across the Taiwan Strait and rejected 'Taiwan independence' narratives, emphasizing shared history and national identity.
'We’re here to remind the DPP and Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te of the truth: Taiwan has always been part of China,' said Chi Chia-lin, honorary chairman of the Reunification Alliance Party. He highlighted how over 70 anti-Japanese uprisings erupted in Taiwan within a month of the 1937 incident, with many young residents returning to the Chinese mainland to fight.
The event, organized by over a dozen civic groups and political parties, stressed the importance of remembering wartime solidarity. 'Commemorating July 7 isn’t just about history—it’s about opposing separatism today,' Chi added, urging younger generations to embrace cross-strait unity.
📌 Why it matters: With tensions simmering, the rally underscores growing grassroots efforts to counter divisive politics through historical education and cultural ties.
