Ministry: KMT veterans will be cared for

The Ministry of Civil Affairs reiterated Wednesday evening that social welfare for former Kuomintang soldiers who fought in the Anti-Japanese War will be guaranteed.

The government has launched a series of policies since the founding of the People's Republic of China to take care of KMT veterans, the ministry said in a statement issued late Wednesday night.

KMT soldiers who were injured or disabled in the war, as well as those who joined the People's Liberation Army (PLA) led by the Communist Party of China (CPC), should enjoy the same treatment as other former servicemen, the statement said.

The government is also providing social assistance to those who retired from the military after the Anti-Japanese War and did not join the PLA, it said.

Former KMT soldiers on the mainland are entitled to the same social security as other citizens, the statement said.

The ministry said local governments, as well as the public, should show greater concern for veterans' welfare.

The statement said some KMT veterans are still living difficult lives, adding that it is the government's responsibility to improve their livelihoods.