Taiwan compatriots will be invited to observe the upcoming massive V-Day military parade in Beijing's Tian'anmen Square, said a Chinese mainland spokesperson on Wednesday.

Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said at a press conference that this year not only marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. It also marks the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's recovery.

Zhu said that the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression is a magnificent epic composed by the entire Chinese nation, with all Chinese people, including compatriots in Taiwan, making enormous sacrifices and great contributions.

She called on people on both sides of the Strait to remember history, honor the martyrs, promote the great spirit of patriotism, and jointly advance the cause of national reunification, creating a bright future for national rejuvenation.

Zhu also condemned Taiwan's authorities for prohibiting compatriots on the island from participating in commemorative events.

Taiwan's mainland affairs body has banned public officials from traveling to the mainland to attend the Sept. 3 military parade and other commemorative events. It has also cautioned against people in Taiwan participating in relevant activities, warning that any acts of "cooperation" with the mainland would be subject to legal penalties. Some public officials have already applied to visit the mainland for such events, it said, but their applications have been rejected.

In response to a media query about these moves, Zhu said that victory in the war and Taiwan's return to China are worth remembering by compatriots on both sides of the Strait. "Compatriots from Taiwan should not and cannot be absent from these commemorations," she said.

Zhu noted that the Democratic Progressive Party authorities are deliberately distorting the history of the war and using threats, intimidation and other measures to prevent Taiwan compatriots' participation in relevant events, and said that these acts of betrayal -- of history and the nation -- are "disgraceful."

China has announced a series of commemorative activities to mark the victory anniversary. In addition to the V-Day military parade, relevant activities also include a gathering around Oct. 25 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's restoration to China from Japanese occupation.