Communists' version of China's wartime record frustrates Taiwan

Maj. Tao Shin-jun, 97, served with Chiang Kai-shek's Nationalist forces in mainland China in the 1940s. The walls of his apartment in Taipei are decorated with commendations for his war service. (Julie Makinen / Los Angeles Times)Maj. Tao Shin-jun, a 97-year-old veteran of China’s fight against Japan in World War II, tears up when asked about Thursday’s military parade in Beijing marking the 70th anniversary of the end of the conflict. It’s not that Tao is sentimental – he’s angry.

“The Chinese Communist Party didn’t defeat Japan; this is very painful to see,” he said in his office in Taipei, Taiwan’s capital, its walls adorned with numerous “war hero” accolades and commendations. “During…