Taiwan's government sees a massive military parade in Beijing commemorating the end of World War II as another example of military intimidation of the island that China claims as its own.

By Ben Blanchard TAIPEI (Reuters) -Taiwan President Lai Ching-te criticised strongmen personality cults and secret police networks on Wednesday, as Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted the leaders of Russia and North Korea at a military parade marking the end of World War Two.

The 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two has "set off a bitter battle of narratives" between China and Taiwan, said Reuters. China has accused Taiwan of "blaspheming" those who died fighting Japan during the war and tensions have been rising ahead of the military parade to mark the anniversary today, in Beijing.