Taiwan has prohibited its officials, students, and teachers from participating in China’s events commemorating the 80th anniversary of Taiwan’s “retrocession” to Chinese rule in 1945.
The decision stems from accusations that Beijing is manipulating historical narratives to undermine Taiwan’s sovereignty and advance its political agenda.
The anniversary, set for October 25, marks Japan’s surrender of Taiwan, its colony since 1895, to the Republic of China (ROC) after World War II.
Historical Dispute Intensifies
Taiwan and China hold conflicting views on the 1945 handover, known as the “retrocession.”
Taiwan asserts that the ROC, its formal name, accepted Japan’s surrender as an Allied power, restoring the island to ROC governance.
Beijing, however, claims the event confirms Taiwan’s status as part of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), founded in 1949 after the Communist victory in the Chinese Civil War.
Chiu Chui-cheng, head of Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council, stated that Beijing has fabricated “false narratives” to assert that “Taiwan is part of the People’s Republic of China.”
He emphasized that these efforts aim to “eliminate the Republic of China and annex Taiwan.”
To counter China’s narrative, Taiwan’s government has banned participation in related Chinese events, urging citizens to prioritize “national interest.”
While Beijing has not disclosed its commemorative plans, a Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson described the retrocession as a shared victory for all Chinese, including Taiwanese, following World War II.
Taiwan, instead, will mark October 25 with East Asia’s largest Pride march, celebrating LGBTQ+ equality.
Tensions have escalated since President William Lai Ching-te took office, with China increasing military pressure and viewing Taiwan as a breakaway province.
Taiwan has also warned its entertainers against endorsing Beijing’s propaganda, with investigations ongoing into celebrities who echoed claims like “Taiwan must return to China.”