Taiwan, China Clash Over World War II Narratives as Taiwan Expels Japanese Nationals Over Chinese Flag Incident and Chip Industry Warning

Taiwan and China are engaged in a growing dispute over the historical narrative of World War II, particularly regarding the fight against and victory over Japan. Taiwan's Deputy Foreign Minister warned that its leading computer chip industry could be used by China to dominate global markets if an invasion occurred, drawing parallels to Nazi Germany's pre-World War II tactics. Amid this tension, Taiwanese authorities have taken action against two Japanese nationals who were forcibly removed and banned from re-entry after displaying the Chinese flag and declaring "Taiwan is China's" in a busy district of Taipei. These individuals entered Taiwan without visas and posted videos on Chinese social media asserting their support for China, including previously offensive remarks made near a statue of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. This incident highlights the intensifying political and historical rivalry between Taiwan and China.