President Ma Ying-jeou urged China Thursday to face up to the truth of the Eight-Year War of Resistance against Japan and agree to a restoration of historical facts at a time when the two sides of the Taiwan Strait are moving toward reconciliation.



"Although most people in Taiwan are gradually forgetting that segment of history and China is trying to cover up the truth of that war, I believe that the truth must be told, even though each side interprets the war from its own standpoint after a separation of more than 60 years," Ma said at the opening of a seminar to mark the 74th anniversary of the Marco Polo Bridge Incident.



The incident marked the start of the full-scale Sino-Japan War that set off from July 7, 1937-Sept. 9, 1945 -- commonly known as the Second Sino-Japan War, in which Kuomintang (KMT) troops led by then Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek defeated Japanese invading forces in mainland China, helping bring an end to World War II.



However, according to the Chinese communist version of events, it was thanks to the Communist Party that victory was won.



"No matter how deep or strong the grudge between the KMT and the Communist Party of China, we must not hesitate to tell the whole truth to our younger generations about the most bitter war endured by the Chinese people," Ma told the seminar held at the National Defense University.



"We welcome more young Chinese people to visit Taiwan and gain a better understanding of that part of history," he went on.



"There is only one truth about the war and both sides should faithfully rebuild their facts to prevent history from being repeated," he said.



Later in the day, the president attended a photo exhibition at the Sun Yet-sen Memorial Hall in Taipei, in which 100 pictures depicting KMT troops fighting the Japanese invaders went on display.



"Through these photos taken by CNA journalists, we will not forget the eight-year war as the Republic of China embraces its 100th founding anniversary this year," he said.

