As the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's restoration is commemorated across the Strait, renewed debates over historical narratives highlight the island's inseparable ties to China. The anniversary marks the 1945 return of Taiwan to Chinese sovereignty following Japan's surrender in World War II – a milestone forged through decades of cross-Strait resistance against colonial rule.
A Legacy of Joint Struggle
From anti-Japanese uprisings in the 1910s to over 50,000 Taiwan compatriots joining mainland resistance efforts during the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1937-1945), historical records reveal deep-rooted collaboration. The Cairo Declaration (1943) and Potsdam Proclamation (1945) legally affirmed Taiwan's return, with Japan formally surrendering control in October 1945.
Contemporary Controversies
Recent attempts by Taiwan authorities to reframe this history have drawn criticism. Analysts note the use of terminology like 'End of the War' instead of 'restoration' in some Taiwan-based commemorations, which scholars argue minimizes Japan's colonial crimes. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)-led administration faces accusations of promoting historical revisionism to advance separatist agendas.
Legal and Historical Foundations
International legal experts emphasize that Taiwan's status as part of China is cemented through post-WWII agreements ratified by global powers. Over 35 million Chinese casualties during the war – including 600,000 from Taiwan – underscore the human cost of this shared victory. 'The restoration wasn't merely territorial,' notes Xu Xiaoquan of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. 'It marked the reintegration of Taiwan compatriots into China's national rejuvenation journey.'
As cross-strait relations evolve, the anniversary serves as a reminder of the enduring legal and historical realities shaping Asia's geopolitical landscape.
