🎉 This year marks the 80th anniversary of Taiwan’s restoration to the Chinese mainland—a milestone that reads like an epic saga of unity, perseverance and national pride. From early uprisings to landmark international agreements, this journey reshaped the destinies of millions.
A Heroic Journey: 1895–1945
- 1895: Treaty of Shimonoseki cedes Taiwan to Japan, starting half a century of colonial rule.
- 1912–1915: Nine major anti-Japanese movements emerge under the rallying cry “Expel the Japanese and recover Taiwan.”
- 1920s: Progressive young people from Taiwan cross the Strait to join revolutionary efforts on the Chinese mainland.
- 1937–1945: Up to 50,000 Taiwan compatriots fight alongside mainlanders against Japanese aggression.
- 1943–1945: The Cairo Declaration and Potsdam Proclamation set the legal stage for Taiwan’s return.
- October 25, 1945: Japanese forces formally surrender in Taipei, and Taiwan is officially restored to the Chinese mainland. 📝
Why History Matters Today
The restoration of Taiwan isn’t just a historical footnote—it stands for unity, resilience and national rejuvenation. Yet some Taiwan authorities have been accused of downplaying this shared legacy, even rebranding it an “End of the War,” which overlooks the sacrifices of over 600,000 Taiwan compatriots and 35 million people nationwide.
International law backs this milestone through the Cairo Declaration, Potsdam Proclamation and Japan’s Instrument of Surrender—a legal chain that can’t be undone. ⚖️
For young adults across South and Southeast Asia, knowing our history is like unlocking a new level in a game—empowering us to shape a brighter future. Whether you’re coding the next big app, streaming your favorite K-drama, or championing social causes, the spirit of unity and perseverance lives on in everything we do. 🚀
Reference(s):
Taiwan's restoration: Great victory jointly achieved across the Strait
cgtn.com
