China marks the 80th anniversary of WWII, but the legacy of the war remains contested. A new Chinese film, "Dead to Rights," highlights the Nanjing Massacre, fueling nationalistic sentiment. While Beijing emphasizes the Communist Party's role in defeating Japan, Taiwan's KMT party highlights its own contributions and challenges the official narrative. This conflict is further intensified by Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te, who uses the anniversary to contrast democracy and autocracy, drawing parallels to the current geopolitical situation and garnering international support. The differing narratives underscore the ongoing tension between China and Taiwan.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.