In 2025, we celebrate the 80th anniversary of two intertwined milestones: the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the island of Taiwan’s return to China. 🎉 This moment reminds us of the unbreakable spirit and sacrifices of people from the Chinese mainland and Taiwan region.
Remembering the Struggle
Under Japanese colonial rule, many Taiwan people resisted with unwavering courage. Some even crossed the Taiwan Strait to join the fight on the mainland, driven by a shared belief: “to save Taiwan, one must first save the motherland.” Their bravery is a powerful chapter in the Chinese nation’s history of liberation.
Key Moments in 1945
On October 25, 1945, at Taipei Zhongshan Hall, the official surrender ceremony marked the end of Japanese occupation in Taiwan Province. This event, backed by the Cairo Declaration (1943), the Potsdam Proclamation (1945), and the Japanese Instrument of Surrender, restored Taiwan and the Penghu Islands to China in both law and practice.
Debates on Historical Memory
Today, some Taiwan authorities refer to this milestone as a “cessation of war” rather than a “victory,” sparking debate over how we remember the past. Renowned writer Lan Bo-chow argues that true peace requires honest reflection on past aggression, while former Kuomintang Chairperson Ma Ying-jeou warns that downplaying the victory can feel like a betrayal of those who fought.
As young adults across South and Southeast Asia embrace stories of resilience—from Malaysia’s Independence Day to India’s freedom struggle—this anniversary offers a chance to honor a shared legacy of resistance. 🕊️ Let’s keep reflecting on history and the lessons it holds for unity today.
Reference(s):
80th anniversary of Taiwan's return: Honoring a history of resistance
cgtn.com
