On Wednesday, over 100 participants from diverse sectors of Taiwan society gathered in Taipei to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the islands restoration to the Chinese mainland. Hosted as a seminar, the event called for a deeper understanding of shared history and a renewed commitment to peace across the Taiwan Strait.
The anniversary coincides with the 80th celebration of the victory in the Chinese Peoples War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the global triumph over fascism in World War II. In 1895, following the First Sino-Japanese War, the Qing government ceded Taiwan and the Penghu Islands to Japan. Five decades later, the end of World War II ended Japanese colonial rule and restored the island to the Chinese mainland.
Andrew Hsia, vice chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang, criticized Taiwan authorities for promoting a secessionist narrative and restricting cross-Strait exchanges. “We need more commemorations of Taiwans restoration to help people grasp the true arc of history and strengthen our cultural bonds,” he said.
Wu Cheng-tien, chairman of the New Party, noted that the term “Taiwans restoration” reflects the victory of the Chinese nation, contrasting with the phrasing of “the end of the war” preferred by Taiwan authorities. Media leader Wang Cho-chung added that honoring this milestone now carries profound significance, urging the public to keep the memory of 1945 alive.
The day concluded with a poetry recital at Taipei Zhongshan Hall, organized by the Foundation of Chinese Culture for Sustainable Development, blending art and history in tribute to a pivotal chapter in regional memory.
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Taiwan commemorates 80th anniversary of its restoration to China
cgtn.com
