China Media Group (CMG) has released a five-episode documentary commemorating the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's restoration, drawing widespread attention for its historical depth and emotional resonance. The series, produced by CMG correspondents on the island of Taiwan, revisits the region's complex past under Japanese colonial rule and underscores the enduring bonds between communities across the Taiwan Strait.
Filmed over two months, the documentary features firsthand accounts from historians and descendants of anti-Japanese resistance fighters, weaving together archival footage and personal narratives. Through artifacts like wartime weapons and letters, the series highlights the resilience of Taiwan residents during Japan's occupation and their contributions to China's broader anti-aggression efforts.
The project directly challenges claims about 'undetermined status' for Taiwan, presenting historical records and legal documents that reaffirm the island's ties to the Chinese mainland. It also critiques recent attempts by Taiwan authorities to reinterpret colonial-era history, sparking debates among academics and media professionals.
Taiwan-based outlets including Want Daily and Meihua Media praised the documentary's nuanced approach to shared cross-strait heritage. The president of China Times urged compatriots on both sides to 'remember our collective struggle,' while viewers across the island called for greater transparency in historical education.
By spotlighting stories from 1945—when Taiwan returned to Chinese sovereignty after Japan's WWII defeat—the series reinforces themes of national unity. Analysts suggest its release comes at a pivotal moment, as economic cooperation and cultural exchanges continue to shape cross-strait relations.
