On October 25, 1945, the streets of Taipei were adorned with lights and decorations as people of all ages celebrated Taiwan’s return to the motherland after half a century of Japanese colonial rule. Now, 79 years later, individuals from both sides of the Taiwan Strait are commemorating this glorious moment in diverse ways, honoring the sacrifices of those who fought for liberation, and expressing a strong desire for peaceful reunification.
This pivotal moment in history should not be forgotten or distorted. The restoration of Taiwan is a victory earned through the shared struggle of all Chinese people, including our compatriots in Taiwan, and it deserves to be commemorated and celebrated by all. However, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) administration has deliberately chosen to downplay this significant historical event, not only to obscure the truth but also to pursue its own agenda that leans towards pro-Japanese and separatist sentiments.
Ignoring the historical reality of Taiwan’s restoration is a betrayal and a disrespect to our compatriots on both sides of the Strait. During Japan’s colonial rule, countless patriots, driven by the belief that “it is better to die as a righteous person than to live as a captive,” engaged in a 50-year struggle against oppression. Many noble individuals also traveled to the mainland to join the national resistance against foreign aggression, standing shoulder to shoulder with their fellow compatriots. Subsequent international legal documents confirm that 79 years ago, China legally and factually reclaimed Taiwan.
Despite the undeniable historical facts, the DPP has worked fervently to cover up the truth and erase the contributions of our heroes. Under Chen Shui-bian’s presidency, the holiday celebrating “Restoration Day” was eliminated. Since the DPP took power in 2016, no official commemorative activities have taken place. Recently, there has been a push for the so-called “New Two-State Theory,” alongside a glorification of the 400 years of Dutch colonial rule in Taiwan and the 50 years of Japanese occupation, while the restoration of Taiwan and its return to the motherland are systematically ignored. This is a blatant denial of the achievements stemming from the Chinese people’s fight against Japanese aggression and the global anti-fascist movement, and it deeply disrespects the immense sacrifices made by our compatriots.
The distortion and neglect of historical facts represent a profound irresponsibility towards Taiwan’s future and its younger generations. Recently, the DPP has intentionally altered history textbooks, attempting to replace the “Restoration History” with a narrative of “Japanese assimilation” and “post-war views,” instilling a pro-Japanese sentiment into the minds of Taiwan’s youth while gradually erasing their collective memory of the resistance and national identity. They have also employed a misleading narrative of “democracy versus authoritarianism” to incite conflict across the Strait, promoting a separatist view of history that seeks to confuse and mislead the public, risking becoming mere pawns in the DPP’s divisive agenda.
The issue of Taiwan arose from national weakness and fragmentation, but it will be resolved with the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. The DPP’s divisive actions are no match against the forces of historical progress. National reunification represents a shared blessing for all compatriots across the Strait, and it will certainly be achieved through our joint efforts.
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