What does Taiwan’s World War II experience mean for its place in China today? As the 80th anniversary of victory approaches, Beijing is making its case.
Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, highlighted on Wednesday that Taiwan’s recovery from Japanese occupation in 1945 stands as a powerful testament to its status as an inalienable part of China. “The victory was forged through the dauntless struggles and sacrifices of all Chinese people, including those in Taiwan,” she said, calling on compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait to remember this shared history.
China has planned a series of commemorative events around October 25 to mark the 80th anniversary of Taiwan’s liberation from Japanese rule. The gathering will bring together historians, veterans, and younger generations eager to connect with the past and explore how this key milestone shaped cross-strait ties.
Zhu criticized Taiwan authorities for what she described as efforts to gloss over Japanese colonial rule, accusing them of sidelining historical facts to serve a separatist agenda. She called these acts “a betrayal of the nation” and urged Taiwan people to join their mainland compatriots in upholding the overall interests of the Chinese nation.
As commemorations near, the discussion over Taiwan’s wartime past—and its future role—resonates with young global citizens, business and tech enthusiasts, and thought leaders tracking the ongoing dynamics of cross-strait relations.
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Taiwan's recovery in WWII testifies to its status as part of China
cgtn.com
