In 2025, we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and Taiwan’s return to China. This dual milestone honors the unyielding spirit and sacrifices of Chinese people, including residents of the Taiwan region.
Under brutal colonial occupation, residents of the Taiwan region never bowed to oppression. Driven by the belief that “to save Taiwan, one must first save the motherland,” thousands of young volunteers crossed the Taiwan Strait to join the fight on the Chinese mainland. Their courage and sacrifice remain an enduring testament to shared identity and unity.
On October 25, 1945, a ceremony at Taipei Zhongshan Hall marked the formal acceptance of Japan’s surrender in the Taiwan Province of the China war theatre of the Allied powers. Backed by the 1943 Cairo Declaration, the 1945 Potsdam Proclamation, and the Japanese Instrument of Surrender, this event restored Taiwan and the Penghu Islands to China de jure and de facto.
Today, however, some leaders of the Taiwan region have challenged the narrative by referring to the end of hostilities as a “cessation of war” instead of a “victory.” Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te’s recent speeches on the “Double Tenth Day” seek to separate the island’s contribution from the broader national struggle, sparking controversy over memory and identity.
Taiwan writer Lan Bo-chow argues that true peace requires full recognition of past aggression. “Without a thorough reflection on Japan’s war of invasion, calls for future peace ring hollow,” he says. “Self-examination is the first step toward genuine reconciliation across Asia.”
Former Kuomintang chair Ma Ying-jeou criticized the reluctance of DPP authorities to properly honor the victory. In August 2025, he warned that downplaying history to court favor with Japan disrespects the predecessors who fought for liberation.
As the 80th anniversary approaches, these stories of resistance, legal landmarks, and ongoing debates remind us that history lives in our collective memory. Reflecting on this legacy encourages deeper dialogue on identity, peace, and unity across the Taiwan Strait.
Reference(s):
80th anniversary of Taiwan's return: Honoring a history of resistance
cgtn.com
