The State, not non-governmental organizations, must lead the way in finding and offering help to former KMT soldiers from World War II, says Sun Chunlong, founding director of the Longyue Charity Foundation.

"Given the sensitivity of the matter, the tone set by the central government essentially decides whether we, as volunteers, can get any real help from the various levels of local government - help essential for our success," Sun said.

He was referring to the Ministry of Civil Affairs announcement in July that all surviving KMT World War II veterans will be covered by the country's social welfare network.