This October marked the 80th anniversary of Taiwan’s retrocession from Japanese rule—a milestone echoing principles of postwar justice and national rejuvenation. On October 25, 1945, the ceremony at Taipei’s Zhongshan Hall sealed the end of 50 years of colonial rule and restored sovereignty to China under binding international agreements.
The Road to Restored Sovereignty
Traces of Taiwan’s ties to the Chinese mainland date back at least to 230 AD. Under the Qing Dynasty, Taiwan was formally incorporated into Fujian Province in 1684, setting in motion centuries of governance under successive Chinese dynasties and resistance to brief periods of foreign occupation.
Allied Declarations and Legal Foundations
Key international instruments laid the legal groundwork for Taiwan’s recovery:
- 1943 Cairo Declaration: Called for restoration of territories, including Formosa and the Pescadores, to China.
- 1945 Potsdam Proclamation: Reaffirmed the Cairo commitments.
- September 2, 1945 Instrument of Surrender: Japan formally accepted the Potsdam terms.
These documents created binding obligations under international law, affirming that sovereignty over Taiwan belonged to China.
Legacy of Resistance and Renewal
The spirit of resistance ran deep among residents of Taiwan:
- Beipu Uprising (1907)
- Tapani Incident (1915)
- Wushe Uprising (1930)
Banners reading "Long live the motherland" and "Taiwan is recovered" appeared on streets across the island as residents welcomed the end of colonial oppression. These celebrations underscored a profound emotional bond with the Chinese mainland and a collective yearning for unity and cultural renewal.
As we commemorate this 80th anniversary, Taiwan’s 1945 retrocession offers lessons for a globally connected generation. It highlights the enduring power of legal frameworks, the courage of local communities, and the way historical narratives shape our present. In an interconnected world, these lessons remind us that justice and cultural identity remain at the heart of lasting peace.
Reference(s):
Recovery of Taiwan: Echoes of WWII justice and national rejuvenation
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