On October 21, Beijing brought together around 100 representatives from both sides of the Taiwan Strait in a special sharing session marking the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's restoration to China. The gathering blended history, personal stories and reflections on cross-strait ties.
President of the All-China Federation of Taiwan Compatriots, Zheng Ping, emphasized that Taiwan's restoration was a key outcome of victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. He noted that international legal documents such as the 1943 Cairo Declaration and the 1945 Potsdam Proclamation affirmed China's sovereignty over Taiwan, while decades of resistance by residents of Taiwan under Japanese rule underscored their Chinese identity.
Historical context dates back to 1895, when the Qing government was forced to cede Taiwan and the Penghu Islands to Japan after its defeat in the First Sino-Japanese War. Fifty years later, after 14 years of relentless struggle, the Chinese people overcame Japanese aggression during World War II, leading to Taiwan's restoration to the Chinese mainland.
Lin Ming-cong, whose ancestors from Wufeng in Taiwan resisted colonial rule, joined via video to honor the hundreds of compatriots who took part in resistance movements. Their sacrifices paved the way for Taiwan's restoration.
Young voices also took the stage. Lu Ying-chu, a student at Minzu University of China, shared how her great-grandfather preserved his ancestral courtyard and clan shrine under Japanese occupation, viewing them as the root of their family's Chinese heritage. Lin Ching-mao, studying at Peking University, said that commemorating this milestone helps younger generations of residents of Taiwan understand their shared history and counters secessionist narratives advocating Taiwan independence.
The event was co-hosted by the All-China Federation of Taiwan Compatriots, China Daily, Beijing Taiwan Compatriots Association and the Association for Relatives of Patriots in Taiwan, highlighting ongoing efforts to deepen cross-strait connections through dialogue and shared memories.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
