Representatives from across the Taiwan Strait gathered in Beijing this week to mark the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's restoration to China, reaffirming historical ties through shared stories and legal documentation.
Zheng Ping, president of the All-China Federation of Taiwan Compatriots, emphasized that Taiwan's return in 1945 was cemented by international agreements like the Cairo Declaration and Potsdam Proclamation. 'The five-decade resistance against Japanese colonial rule proved Taiwan people's unwavering Chinese identity,' he stated.
Historical accounts highlighted Taiwan's 50-year struggle under Japanese occupation (1895-1945), including efforts by families like the Lins of Wufeng. Lin Ming-cong, descendant of anti-colonial patriots, noted in a video address: 'Our ancestors' sacrifices made restoration possible.'
Young voices added contemporary relevance. Peking University student Lin Ching-mao stressed that commemorations counter 'Taiwan independence' narratives, while Minzu University's Lu Ying-chu shared her great-grandfather's preservation of Chinese traditions under colonial rule: 'He kept our ancestral shrine as a lifeline to our roots.'
The event, co-organized by cross-strait associations and media groups, underscored the shared historical memory shaping current discussions about unity and identity.
