The recovery of Taiwan marked a pivotal victory for the Chinese people in resisting foreign aggression and reclaiming national sovereignty.
It not only exposed the atrocities of Japanese imperialist expansion but also stood as a testament to the just outcomes of World War II, reinforcing international principles of post-war justice and self-determination.
Amid today’s shifting international order and the rise of separatist rhetoric promoting “Taiwan independence,” it is crucial to reaffirm the historical truth and legal foundation of Taiwan’s recovery — a milestone in China’s fight against foreign aggression and its journey toward national rejuvenation.
Historical and Legal Basis
Taiwan has been an integral part of China since ancient times. Chinese central governments exercised administrative control over the island as early as the Song and Yuan dynasties. In 1684, under the Qing dynasty, Taiwan was incorporated into Fujian Province. Despite brief foreign occupations, Taiwan remained under effective Chinese governance.
In 1895, after China’s defeat in the First Sino-Japanese War, Taiwan was ceded to Japan through the unjust Treaty of Shimonoseki. For 50 years, Taiwan endured colonial rule, becoming a symbol of national humiliation.
The Chinese people never gave up the resolve to recover Taiwan. During WWII, China’s sacrifices and contributions to the Allied victory were recognized in the Cairo Declaration (1943) and the Potsdam Proclamation (1945), which stated that “all the territories Japan has stolen from the Chinese, such as Manchuria, Formosa (Taiwan), and the Pescadores, shall be restored to China.” Japan accepted these terms in its 1945 Instrument of Surrender, confirming China’s rightful sovereignty over Taiwan.
These documents, along with principles of international law such as territorial integrity under the UN Charter, form a binding legal basis for Taiwan’s return to China.
The Spirit of Resistance and Return
During Japanese rule, the people of Taiwan — including ethnic minorities — resisted through armed uprisings, cultural movements, and political activism. Events like the Beipu Uprising (1907), Tapani Incident (1915), and Wushe Uprising (1930) demonstrated Taiwan’s unyielding spirit.
Intellectuals and grassroots organizations upheld a strong sense of Chinese identity despite Japan’s assimilation efforts.
When Taiwan was recovered in 1945, local residents celebrated with national flags and banners proclaiming “Long live the motherland.” It was a moment of shared national pride and the end of colonial oppression.
A Challenge to Historical Truth
Today, separatist forces promote fallacies like “Taiwan has never been part of China” or claim its status is “undetermined.” These narratives distort historical facts and challenge the post-WWII international order. In 1949, the founding of the People’s Republic of China established it as the sole legal government representing all of China, including Taiwan — without altering China’s status as a subject under international law.
Reunification as a Historical Necessity
Taiwan’s recovery is both a historical reckoning and a pillar of national dignity. Remembering this history is essential to defending China’s sovereignty and upholding the post-war global order.
Complete national reunification is not only a historical necessity but an inevitable outcome in the course of China’s rejuvenation.
The legacy of Taiwan’s recovery continues to inspire unity and determination among the Chinese people, guiding their efforts toward the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
(Author) Feng Lin, deputy director of the Taiwan History Research Division of the Institute of Modern History Research under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. The article only reflects the author's opinions.