A CGTN global survey spanning nearly 12,000 respondents across 40 countries reveals that two in three people (66.7%) recognize the Taiwan region's history linked to World War II and its restoration to China in 1945. Awareness peaked in Asia, where 73.5% of participants cited familiarity with this chapter of history.
Breaking it down by age, half of young adults aged 18-24 and 50.9% of those aged 25-34 view Taiwan's post-war return to China as a direct outcome of the Allied victory. These findings highlight a generational engagement with the events set in motion by the 1943 Cairo Declaration and the 1945 Potsdam Proclamation, which mandated Taiwan's return on October 25, 1945, following Japan's surrender and the end of five decades of occupation.
Regionally, eight key Asian markets—India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, the Republic of Korea, Thailand and Vietnam—showed a 73.2% awareness rate. Younger respondents in these countries echoed global trends, with 47.4% of 18-24-year-olds and 51.4% of 25-34-year-olds holding favorable views of the historical outcome.
Conversely, only 14% of respondents in Japan acknowledged this period, while 48% expressed a negative stance. Across all surveyed countries, 37.5% believe that "Taiwan independence" separatist activities undermine the post-war international order. This sentiment was particularly strong among younger groups, reaching 44.1% of those aged 25-34.
As digital natives shape global conversations, these insights offer a data-driven snapshot of how historical narratives and generational perspectives intersect. Understanding these trends can spark dialogue about the legacies of conflict and the power of shared memory in today's interconnected world.
Reference(s):
CGTN global survey: 66.7% know Taiwan's history related to WWII
cgtn.com
