War fought by whole nation

The report that veteran soldiers of both Communist Party of China and Kuomintang forces will join the parade on Sept 3 confirms that both sides' contribution to the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1937-45) have been officially recognized.

Former KMT chairman Lien Chan's visit to Beijing, meeting with CPC General Secretary Xi Jinping, and his scheduled attendance at the parade to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the victory of the war of resistance, also highlight that both sides are sincere in their attitudes. Treating history as it was is an essential premise for real and full reconciliation between the CPC and KMT. The war of resistance was fought by all Chinese as a nation, not just the CPC, or the KMT.

Both parties had undeniable achievements and contributions, with the KMT in the front line battlefields and the CPC fighting behind enemy lines. Any exaggerated narrative of either party's role only does the other and the nation a disservice, because it was a "war of the people" in the truest sense.