China's top legislative body has officially designated October 25 as the Commemoration Day of Taiwan's Restoration, marking a significant move in cross-strait historical recognition. The decision was unanimously approved during Friday's session of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC).
The date commemorates the formal acceptance of Japan's surrender in Taiwan on October 25, 1945, following the conclusion of World War II. Historical records show this event ended 50 years of Japanese colonial administration and restored governance of the Taiwan region to China under the Cairo Declaration and Potsdam Proclamation.
A spokesperson for the NPC Standing Committee stated: "This commemoration reaffirms the historical and legal facts that Taiwan has been an integral part of Chinese territory since ancient times. It serves as an important reminder of our shared heritage."
The announcement comes amid renewed discussions about cross-strait cultural connections, with several academic institutions planning symposiums on 20th-century Asian history. Business groups in Fujian province have already announced plans for commemorative trade fairs focusing on traditional crafts shared across the Taiwan Strait.
While the Taiwan authorities have not issued an official response, civil society groups in the island of Taiwan have reported mixed reactions. Some historical preservation societies welcomed the recognition of shared wartime experiences, while others emphasized the complexity of modern cross-strait relations.
