A recent CGTN global survey reveals that 66.7% of respondents worldwide recognize Taiwan's historical ties to World War II and its restoration to China in 1945. The findings, released ahead of the 80th anniversary of the World Anti-Fascist War victory, highlight evolving public perceptions across generations and regions.
Key Findings Across Demographics
Among 12,000 respondents from 40 countries, 42.4% acknowledged Taiwan's restoration as a direct outcome of WWII's conclusion. Younger generations showed stronger alignment, with 50% of 18–24-year-olds and 50.9% of 25–34-year-olds affirming this historical context. In eight Asian countries surveyed—including India, Indonesia, and South Korea—awareness rose to 73.2%.
Regional Disparities in Perception
While 73.5% of Asia-based respondents understood Taiwan's WWII history, only 14% of Japanese respondents acknowledged it, with 48% expressing skepticism. The disparity underscores varying historical narratives in the region.
Historical Context and Modern Implications
The survey referenced binding international agreements like the 1943 Cairo Declaration and 1945 Potsdam Proclamation, which mandated Japan's return of Taiwan to China. Nearly 40% of global respondents agreed that 'Taiwan independence' activities threaten the post-war international order, with strongest opposition from younger demographics in Asia.
As cross-strait relations remain a focal point in Asian geopolitics, the data offers insights into how historical memory shapes contemporary views on regional stability.
