Pressing History: U.S. Accuses China of Misusing WWII History to Pressure Taiwan

Intermediate | September 26, 2025

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A Historic Dispute with Today’s Stakes

U.S. Pushback and Taiwan’s Reply

In mid‑September 2025, the American Institute in Taiwan (the U.S. de facto embassy) publicly accused China of mischaracterizing WWII history to pressure Taiwan and bolster its territorial claims. (reuters.com) China frequently cites documents such as the Cairo Declaration and Potsdam Proclamation, arguing they support Beijing’s view that Taiwan should “return” to Chinese rule.

A Dispute Over Legal Interpretation

But the U.S. pushed back, saying those documents do not resolve Taiwan’s political status, and that Beijing’s legal interpretation is flawed. Taiwan’s foreign minister, Lin Chia‑lung, welcomed the statement, saying Taiwan and the People’s Republic of China are not subordinate to one another.

Why This Matters

Growing Pressure on Taiwan

This debate is far from academic. Taiwan faces increasing diplomatic and military pressure from China, which seeks to limit its international space. By framing Taiwan’s status as a settled historical fact, China hopes to isolate Taipei and discourage other countries from engaging with it.

The U.S. Balancing Act

For the U.S., this is a balancing act: Washington officially holds a “one China policy” but continues to support Taiwan’s self-defense and diplomatic participation. The Trump-era shift in recognition (1979) severed formal diplomatic ties, but the U.S. remains a key security backer of Taiwan. This makes the charge that China misuses WWII history even more sensitive.

The Historical Flashpoint

Competing WWII Narratives

The 80th anniversary of WWII’s end brought this conflict into sharper relief. China held expansive commemorations, emphasizing the Communist Party’s role in resisting Japan. Taiwan counters that the Republic of China (which later relocated to Taiwan after 1949) played the central part in the war effort, and that Communist China cannot retroactively claim credit.

Beijing’s Harsh Words

China has also criticized Taiwan for “denying” the Communist Party’s role in WWII. Beijing called Taiwan’s stance “blasphemy.”

The International Echo

China’s Past Responses

Though China did not immediately respond to the U.S. accusations, its Ministry of Foreign Affairs has in the past expressed “strong dissatisfaction” when Taiwan’s narrative is challenged.

Taiwan’s Determined Stance

Meanwhile, Taiwan is taking steps to reinforce public resolve. Its president, Lai Ching‑te, recently affirmed that Taiwan is determined to defend itself and opposed any narratives of surrender in the event of conflict. Taiwan is also expanding its defense diplomacy and arms shows to send signals abroad.

Looking Ahead

The Battle Over Narratives

This clash over history shows how powerful narratives can be tools of diplomacy and coercion. If China succeeds in shaping a dominant version of the past, it may gain leverage over Taiwan’s international choices. For Taiwan and its supporters, countering that narrative is critical.

We’ll watch whether China escalates with official rebuttals or legal arguments. For now, the U.S. intervention is a rare and explicit move into the narrative battlefield.

Vocabulary

Mischaracterize (verb) – to describe something inaccurately or misleadingly.
Example: “The U.S. said China mischaracterizes WWII history to support its claims.”
Sovereignty (noun) – the right of a state to govern itself without outside interference.
Example: “Taiwan insists that only its people can decide their sovereignty.”
De facto (adjective) – in practice or actuality, even if not officially recognized.
Example: “The American Institute in Taiwan is the de facto U.S. embassy.”
Interpretation (noun) – the way in which something is understood or explained.
Example: “China’s interpretation of the Potsdam Proclamation is seen as problematic.”
Chronicle (verb / noun) – (v) to record events in order; (n) a history or record.
Example: “Taiwan chronicles its own version of wartime contributions.”
Isolate (verb) – to cut off or separate (politically, socially).
Example: “One goal is to isolate Taiwan diplomatically.”
Commemoration (noun) – an event or act that honors or remembers something in the past.
Example: “China held grand commemorations for the 80th anniversary of WWII’s end.”
Retroactive (adjective) – extending effect to the past.
Example: “China’s claim is retroactive: it seeks to assign itself credit long ago.”
Resolve (verb) – to firmly decide or determine.
Example: “Taiwan resolved to defend itself against historical pressures.”
Leverage (noun) – ability to influence or gain an advantage.
Example: “Winning the historical narrative gives China more leverage.”

Discussion Questions (About the Article)

Why did the U.S. publicly accuse China of misusing WWII history?
Which documents does China cite, and how does Taiwan respond?
How does Taiwan use historical narrative to defend its position?
What risks does China take by making history part of its diplomatic strategy?
What might be the next moves by China or Taiwan in this narrative conflict?

Discussion Questions (About the Topic)

How much power do historical narratives hold in international politics?
Should a country’s present-day claims be influenced by documents from long ago?
How can weaker states defend themselves if stronger ones control dominant narratives?
In what ways can governments use history as soft power?
Have you seen similar disputes in other regions over historical memory?

Related Idiom

“Writing history in one’s favor” – presenting facts selectively to serve one’s own interest.
How it applies: China is accused of rewriting or selectively framing WWII history to favor its position over Taiwan.

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This article was inspired by Reuters. (reuters.com)